The inauguration of a new railway sleeper factory in Tindouf Province Algeria, marks a pivotal milestone in the construction of the 575-kilometres Western Algeria Railway Mining Line.
By Rabia Bouchiba
The railway, a collaboration between the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) and Algerian state-owned enterprise COSIDER TP, aims to connect Tindouf to Bechar and link the Gara Djebilet iron ore mine to Algeria’s national rail network.
Built by the CRCC, the factory, spanning 91,000 square metres, is the first standardized concrete sleeper plant in the Sahara Desert and will produce 1.2 million railway sleepers to support this ambitious infrastructure project.
Once completed, it will enable the transport of iron ore from one of the world’s largest untapped deposits, estimated at 3.5 billion tonnes.
This development promises to unlock immense economic potential for Algeria, which has long struggled to fully capitalize on its abundant natural resources due to inadequate infrastructure.
According to the Governor of Tindouf Province Mustapha Dahou, the sleeper factory reflects Algeria’s commitment to leveraging international partnerships for infrastructure development.
Dahou praised the collaborative efforts between CRCC and local stakeholders, emphasizing the project’s significant role in enhancing regional connectivity and boosting economic growth.
Additionally, he highlighted the project’s contributions to local employment, with 152 workers currently employed at the factory.
“These employees are benefiting from regular training programs designed to improve their technical skills and safety knowledge, thereby fostering workforce development alongside infrastructure progress,” says Dahou.
CRCC’s involvement in the railway line is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a global strategy that has seen increased Chinese investment in Algeria’s infrastructure and mining sectors.
The railway will facilitate the transport of iron ore to industrial zones and ports, thereby improving Algeria’s mining output while positioning the country as a key player in regional trade.
CRCC International Group’s General Manager Xu Huaxiang, described the project as a landmark in Sino-Algerian cooperation, pledging to ensure the railway’s timely and high-quality completion.
Xu underscored the initiative’s role as a model for mutually beneficial international partnerships.
The opening of the sleeper factory follows a USD 36 billion cooperation package signed between Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Chinese President Xi Jinping in July 2023.
This agreement encompasses several development initiatives, including the Western Algeria Railway Mining Line, aimed at diversifying Algeria’s economy and reducing its dependence on oil exports.
Local employees like Algerian Test Engineer Bouderli Nourdine says that they are already experiencing the positive impact of the project.
“In less than two months, I’ve transformed from a newcomer to a skilled worker,” says Nourdine, crediting the guidance of Chinese engineers for his rapid progress.
This emphasis on workforce development underscores the dual goals of advancing infrastructure while empowering the local population with valuable skills and employment opportunities.
As part of Algeria’s long-term rail strategy, the government plans to invest USD 2.8 billion in new trains by 2035, including freight and high-speed passenger locomotives.
This expansion is intended to support the increasing rail network and align with broader industrial and economic development goals.
The first phase of the plan involves the purchase of 400 train coaches, with a projected cost of approximately USD 1.03 billion, to bolster the growing rail infrastructure.
The Western Algeria Railway Mining Line is more than just an infrastructure achievement. It represents a transformative initiative poised to unlock the economic potential of southwestern Algeria while establishing stronger trade and industrial links across the nation.
By integrating advanced technology, international expertise, and local workforce development, the project lays the foundation for sustained economic growth and enhanced regional connectivity.
