Watch: Malawi welcomes first fuel train in 42 years – from Beira, Mozambique

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Watch: Malawi welcomes first fuel train in 42 years – from Beira, Mozambique

4:10 CAT | 11 Sep 2024

Photo: Malawi Government

For the first time in four decades, Malawi has received a fuel train following the rehabilitation of its railway line, which had been in disrepair for years.

On Wednesday, the fuel train, carrying 1.2 million liters of fuel from Beira, Mozambique, arrived in Malawi’s southern region.

President Lazarus Chakwera, who inaugurated the train’s arrival, called it a “great milestone” for the country, stating that it would significantly contribute to Malawi’s socio-economic development.

“For 42 years, our railway lines were in ruins, and we have relied on trucks to import fuel, a costly method.

Fixing systems

Today, we witness the first fuel train in many years thanks to the rehabilitation of the system,” Chakwera said. He added that his government is committed to fixing systems to improve living standards.

Economist Milward Tobias described the event as a “step in the right direction” for Malawi’s economy, noting that the shift to rail transport would result in significant s avings in fuel transportation costs.

READ: Beira hosts logistics and trade conference as Standard Bank Mozambique turns 130

Since 1993, when Malawi transitioned to a multi-party political system, previous governments had neglected the railway network in favour of road transport for importing fuel from Mozambique and Tanzania.

#Times360News #fueltrain

President Lazarus Chakwera, has received the inaugural train carrying fuel, operating between Beira (Mozambique) and Marka, Nsanje (Malawi) after 43 years of the railway line in activity.

Reported by Isaac Salima pic.twitter.com/qp3dEx9KQL

— Times 360 Malawi (@Times360Malawi) September 11, 2024

Congratulations President Lazarus Chakwera and the government for reviving this railway line that has been out of service since 1983. Today, a train carrying 1.2 million litres of fuel arrived at Marka on this line. This is the kind of development that can transform the country. pic.twitter.com/0VN8pcrD5g

— Onjezani Kenani (@onjezani) September 11, 2024