Algeria prepares $2.6bn Algiers-Tamanrasset rail construction
2 September 2025
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Algeria is preparing to float the main construction tenders, worth over $2.6bn, for the Algiers-Tamanrasset railway line, after formalising the necessary pre-construction arrangements for the project.
According to local media reports, Algeria's Prime Minister, Nadir Larbaoui, signed an executive decree "that formalises the declaration of public utility of two strategic sections of the future Algiers-Tamanrasset railway line".
The first line will run between Laghouat and Ghardaia, covering 265 kilometres (km). This line will have 21 viaducts, one tunnel, 55 pipe crossings and five stations.
The project is split into four sections:
- Section A: Laghouat-Bellil (72.6km)
- Section B: Bellil-Bouzbier (40.4km)
- Section C: Bouzbier-Oued N’chou (69km)
- Section D: Oued N’chou-Metlili (47km)
The speed of passenger trains on the line will be 220 kilometres an hour (km/h) and freight trains will run at 100km/h. The railway line will mainly follow the national road RN01.
The construction cost of this line is expected to be about $1.4bn.
The second line will run from Ghardaia to El-Meniaa. The 230km-long railway line will start at Metlili station and extend south to El-Meniaa.
The line will serve Mansourah, Hassi Lefhel and El-Meniaa, as well as the planned new town of Hassi El-Gara.
It will comprise six viaducts, 35 railway structures and three stations.
The speed of passenger trains on this line will be 220km/h, while for freight trains it will be 100km/h.
This section is expected to cost $1.2bn.
Other railway projects
The latest news follows Algeria's announcement in December last year of a new, 185km railway line in the country’s northern region.
According to local media reports, this line will be built in two phases and will support the development of Algeria’s logistics services.
The project’s first phase covers the construction of a 63km line connecting the northern city of Tissemsilt with Tiaret in the northwest.
The second phase comprises a railway line linking those two cities with Relizane Province in the north.
The reports added that the construction of the first phase is expected to be completed in 20 months.
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