30 years on, Nacala and Nampula rejoice over resumption of train travel

Login

Register

http://www.clubofmozambique.com/

30 years on, Nacala and Nampula rejoice over resumption of train travel

7:22 CAT | 09 Oct 2023

Photo: Ikweli

Residents of the cities of Nampula and Nacala rejoiced at the return, after 30 years, of passenger trains this Sunday (8-10), 30 years on, a decision they say will provide communication between the two strategic cities in the province at affordable prices.

In the first phase, the passenger service connecting Nampula and Nacala (Muchilipo) will make three weekly trips, on days of the week not yet announced. In addition to the two cities, the locomotive will call at Anchilo, Namialo, Metocheria, Monapo, Meconta, Nacavala and Namarral.

Tickets from Nampula to Nacala will cost 170.00 Mt in economy, half the 350.00 Mt charged by semi-collective road transporters operating on the same route.

“We thank the government and the company Nacala Logistics for deciding to return the train to us, because it will make it easier for those of us who do not have money to travel to the city of Nampula. 170.00 Mt is quite affordable, and I am going to Nampula to do my shopping,” said Tina Mokhalana, one of the passengers on the first trip.

For Jehane Ussene, another passenger, “the feeling is of gratitude to the government and the company and this means that Nacala is growing. I really like it because the cost of tickets means that many people will be able to travel who were previously unable to do so”.

The ceremony marking the return of passenger service took place in Muchilipo, Nacala, and was led by the Minister of Transport and Communication, Mateus Magala, whose speech highlighted that the return of the passenger train would contribute significantly to the improvement in people’s living conditions, especially residents along the Nacala corridor.

“This is a historic moment for all of us, for the entire country and for the region. And it marks the rebirth of hope for thousands of Mozambicans who live and work along the Nacala corridor, now receiving an essential service that will contribute to improving the quality of their lives, but also of the communities involved,” Minister Magala said.

In view of this, the minister urged users to make good use of the locomotive to guarantee its long period of use.

“The introduction of a passenger train from Nampula to Nacala and vice versa, will provide a viable alternative for urban mobility and a safe means of transportation of people and goods at relatively low costs, a fact that could result in a reduction in the final price for consumers of the products transported via this route. Rail transport will facilitate the flow of fresh products from the bay of Nacala, Naca-à-Velha, Memba, Matibane, thus improving the income of fishermen, as well as the quality of seafood resources for the city of Nampula and other intermediate points,” Magala said.

“With the introduction of the passenger train, Monapo railway station should resume its role as a point of convergence for tourists who flow with great interest to the Island of Mozambique, Mossuril and other points of tourist interest,” he concluded.

At the event, Secretary of State for Nampula province Jaime Neto said he believed that the reintroduction of passenger trains would boost the economy of that part of Mozambique.

“Today we are gathered here to mark a historic event, the reopening of public passenger transport from Nampula to Nacala after three decades of interruption,” Neto said. “This is an important milestone for our province, for our communities, and for our socioeconomic development. This project to reintroduce the locomotive for passenger transport is not just about the locomotive tracks: it is about connectivity, progress and prosperity that will come into our lives, as this train winds through various destinations in our province. Between Nampula and Nacala, it carries with it not only passengers and cargo, but also hope and opportunity for all of us to travel in comfort, safety and, also, at very low prices.”

Nacala Logistics representative Abhay Mishra said that the reintroduction of passenger train circulation on the Nampula-Nacala route was part of the company’s social commitment, highlighting several other achievements benefiting communities along the corridor, such as the construction of schools in Ribáuè district and training young people for the job market among their social responsibility actions.

Source: Ikweli