Algeria’s Visionary Railway Expansion: Bridging Regions and Borders with a 15,000-Kilometer Network
BY: Hana Saada
Algiers, September 23, 2023 – The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructures, Mr. Lakhdar Rekhroukh, alongside his Turkish counterpart, Mr. Abdulkadir Oraloglu, led a gathering on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at the Eurasian Hotel in Algeria. The Algerian-Turkish Business Forum witnessed the convergence of prominent business figures and institutional leaders from both nations, with a shared focus on advancing public works and infrastructure projects.
During this pivotal meeting, Minister Rekhroukh extended a warm invitation to Turkish entrepreneurs, urging them to explore diverse and significant investment prospects. He emphasized the potential for collaborative efforts in infrastructure development, highlighting Algeria’s commitment to offering substantial incentives to foreign investors.
The Minister underscored that this forum stemmed from the directives of both countries’ leaders, who are dedicated to enhancing bilateral cooperation and increasing investment volumes. He expressed immense satisfaction with the forum’s proceedings, lauding the common desire among participants to forge robust economic relations and capitalize on available opportunities to advance shared projects.
Minister Rekhroukh also unveiled Algeria’s ambitious plans to connect various regions of the country through a comprehensive railway system, bridging the north and south and extending into neighboring African countries. The proposed network would span an impressive six thousand kilometers initially, with long-term goals of expanding it to an impressive 15,000 kilometers. Of particular importance is the plan to extend the railway to Tamanrasset, the southernmost point of Algeria, and from there, into Mali and Niger.
In addition, the Minister detailed Algeria’s intentions to launch significant programs in road and motorway construction, along with the development of airport and port infrastructure. These projects are poised to contribute significantly to the growth and development of the national economy, emphasizing the crucial role of an efficient transportation network.
Minister Rekhroukh expressed hopes for the active participation of Turkish institutions in these investment endeavors, particularly in the railway sector. He highlighted President of the Republic’s profound interest in railways as part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at diversifying the national economy and reducing dependency on hydrocarbons.
On a different note, Minister Rekhroukh announced that Algeria would host the nineteenth edition of the International Salon of Public Works from November 14 to 18, 2023. This edition’s guest of honor will be the Republic of Turkey, underscoring the importance of the partnership between the two nations. Turkish companies and institutions operating in the field of public works are encouraged to participate actively in this prestigious economic event, fostering collaboration and providing a platform for innovative projects to flourish.
The Algerian-Turkish Forum marked a significant step forward in strengthening the partnership between Algeria and Turkey, creating a fertile ground for collaboration in the field of public works and infrastructure. As both nations look ahead to a brighter future, these initiatives hold the promise of mutual growth, economic prosperity, and enhanced connectivity for the benefit of their citizens and beyond.
