Ethiopia-Djibouti railway transports 680k passengers in 6 yrs

Ethiopia-Djibouti railway, a Chinse construction project, has facilitated the transport of 680,000 passengers and 9.5 million tons of cargo over the last six years, according to Xinhua news agency.

The 752-km railway has experienced a notable annual increase in transport revenue averaging at 39 per cent.

Moreover, according to the Chinese management consortium overseeing the project, since its commencement of commercial operations in January 2018,

Over 680,000 passengers have been transported on its 2,500 passenger trains, in addition to 7,700 freight trains.

These operations have generated a commercial transport revenue of 11.3 billion Ethiopian birr (approximately 197 million US dollars) during the 6-year period.

Over the years, the railway has expanded its services, catering to various market demands. It now offers specialised services such as cold-chain transport, commuter trains for rural areas, and dedicated trains for automobile transport.

Furthermore, beyond its primary function of transport, the railway has spurred development opportunities along its corridor. It effectively links sea ports in Djibouti with dry ports and industrial parks in Ethiopia, fostering economic growth in both regions.

In a recent development, the Chinse management consortium officially handed over the management responsibility of Africa’s first electrified cross-border railway to Ethiopia and Djibouti after six years of successful operation.