Investment in Rail Network Expansion Program: Turkish Interest Signals New Opportunities in Algerian Transportation
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- Algeria’s ambitious plan to expand its national railway network by constructing an astounding 15,000 kilometers of railway lines has garnered significant interest from foreign investors. Following the provisional agreement from Chinese investors, it is now the Turkish government and business community that are expressing their eagerness to partake in this monumental transport infrastructure project.
Discussions surrounding potential partnerships and collaborative ventures in Algeria’s major infrastructure projects, specifically the national rail network expansion, unfolded in Algiers at the end of last week. The Minister of Public Works, Lakhdar Rakhroukh, held constructive talks with the Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, setting the stage for what could become a transformative collaboration.
“The discussions revolved around potential partnerships, with a particular focus on launching significant infrastructure projects in Algeria, foremost among them being the expansion of our national rail network,” stated Minister Rakhroukh.
Minister Uraloglu underscored Turkey’s commitment to initiating joint investment projects in Algeria. He further emphasized “the paramount importance of seizing the investment opportunities inherent in Algeria’s railway projects.”
While Algeria boasts skilled local talent capable of contributing to the program’s execution on the ground, the ambitious timelines set for project completion necessitate forging foreign partnerships. In the short term, the primary objective is to realize 6,000 kilometers of rail, with an eye towards achieving the full 15,000 kilometers in the medium term.
To expedite construction efforts, rigorous studies must be conducted. In the southern regions of the nation, where projects will be undertaken in desert environments, numerous challenges must be addressed, including route selection and mitigation of sand deposition.
Ahmed Soualim, CEO of the infrastructure and control study group, noted that Algeria acknowledges its expertise gaps in this domain, necessitating the engagement of foreign partners, especially within the railway sector. “We seek to leverage the expertise of international collaborators in this realm,” he affirmed.
Algeria is now embarked on an extensive mission to enhance and expand its fundamental transportation infrastructure, widely regarded as the bedrock of economic progress. As such, there is a concerted effort to connect various regions across the country via rail, with a particular emphasis on the Great South region. This region is seen as the gateway for Algerian products into the African market, making it a crucial and strategic endeavor.
One of the most significant among these ventures is the Gara Djebilet mine in the southern region, expected to become one of the largest structural projects. The raw materials from this mine will require efficient rail transportation to reach the northern parts of the country, underscoring the vital role that a robust national railway network plays in Algeria’s economic development.
With both the Chinese and now Turkish interests converging on Algeria’s ambitious railway expansion program, the nation is poised to benefit from substantial foreign investments and expertise, catalyzing its journey toward enhanced transportation infrastructure and economic prosperity. As Algeria welcomes international collaborators, it stands ready to transform its transportation sector and solidify its position as a regional economic powerhouse.
