To facilitate the transport of goods and passengers while boosting economic activity in inland regions, Senegal is undertaking the rehabilitation of the 464 km Dakar–Tambacounda railway line. This strategic project includes the gradual modernization of the tracks, enhanced safety measures, and, ultimately, the transition to a modern standard-gauge railway network, in line with Vision Senegal 2050.
To improve connectivity in inland regions, strengthen freight transport, and stimulate economic activity along the corridor, the Senegalese government is advancing the rehabilitation of the 464 km Dakar–Tambacounda railway line. During a visit to Tambacounda station on 5 February, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye expressed satisfaction with the pace of the works.
We have made significant progress in advancing our projects. As you know, we are waiting for the government to be fully operational. During this visit, it seems to me that we have never neglected what needed to be done. What we have put in place can still be improved, but it is important to recognize that a perfect outcome is unattainable.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of the Republic – Senegal
The current phase involves a temporary upgrade of the narrow-gauge track, allowing a gradual resumption of rail traffic. To date, 37 km of track have been rebuilt, 10,000 sleepers replaced, 400,000 fastenings installed, and 70,000 tons of ballast laid. Additionally, 126 level crossings have been modernized to enhance safety.
We have undertaken actions to improve the living conditions of Senegalese people residing in areas crossed by the railway. In the first phase, we rehabilitated the narrow-gauge track. However, according to the Ministry of the Interior, some sections still require renovation. That is why it is necessary to continue the work and consider the exploitation of resources such as zircon and oxygen to support this development.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of the Republic – Senegal
In the long term, the overall project, estimated at 1,500 billion CFA francs, aims for the complete rehabilitation and modernization of the line, transitioning to a modern standard-gauge railway network, in line with Senegal Vision 2050, which is the Economic Transformation Agenda of the current political administration.
