Dakar–AIBD Line Connected: A Strategic Milestone in Support of National Mobility
APIX-SA has announced the successful completion of integration tests covering the power supply, signalling system, rolling stock and infrastructure for Phase 2 of the Train Express Régional (TER) project.
According to APIX-SA, these successfully completed tests represent a decisive step in the technical completion of the project and confirm the full interoperability of all railway subsystems on the Dakar–Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD) section.
Safety first
As part of the integration testing programme, and in order to guarantee optimal safety conditions, TER passenger services were exceptionally suspended from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 December 2025.
APIX-SA indicated that this planned and controlled suspension was essential to the execution of major technical operations, carried out under a single, non-negotiable principle: safety above all.
More than one hundred people were mobilised to ensure the success of these tests, including international experts from Spain, Turkey, Portugal, France and Canada, alongside numerous Senegalese specialists. APIX-SA noted that their active involvement enabled significant skills transfer and the sustainable strengthening of national expertise in railway professions.
Energisation and full electrification
APIX-SA confirmed that energisation of the overhead contact line took place on 14 December 2025 at 17:19, enabling full electrification of the railway line between Dakar and Blaise Diagne International Airport.
By way of reminder, energisation of the overhead contact line for Phase 1 was completed on 3 August 2021, ahead of the start of commercial operations on 27 December 2021.
Remaining tests prior to commercial operation
At this stage, APIX-SA stated that only performance tests and speed-up tests remain to be carried out. These will be conducted in accordance with regulatory requirements and international standards, prior to the start of commercial operations for Phase 2.
Towards commercial service of Phase 2
APIX-SA indicated that it will work closely with the National TER Company (SENTER), in its capacity as the railway safety authority, as well as with all stakeholders, to obtain safety certification.
This process is intended to enable the commercial operation of Phase 2 before the end of the first half of 2026, in strict compliance with international railway safety standards.
APIX-SA confirmed that this historic milestone was marked by the first TER train movement to Blaise Diagne International Airport, fully affirming the regional and international role of the Train Express Régional.
