Track Laying Completed on Priority Section of Algeria’s Desert Heavy-Haul Railway

On 7 July 2025, a major milestone was achieved in the construction of Africa’s first desert heavy-haul railway as China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) completed track laying on the 135km priority section of the Algeria Western Mining Railway Project.

Developed in partnership with Algerian state-owned enterprises, the 575km railway will connect the Gâra Djebilet iron ore mines in Béchar and Tindouf provinces to industrial zones and export ports. This landmark project—Algeria’s largest to date involving Chinese companies—aims to strengthen national rail infrastructure and unlock economic potential across the southwest.

Construction teams worked through extreme Saharan conditions, developing Algeria’s first technical standards for desert heavy-haul railways. The project has introduced advanced Chinese rail welding and sleeper production technologies, including a fully automated sleeper manufacturing facility.

Launched in December 2023, the project has progressed on schedule and received commendation from local authorities. Officials have credited the initiative with creating jobs, bolstering industrial capacity, and laying the groundwork for expanded bilateral cooperation in infrastructure and regional development.