Algeria's Western Mining Railway, Africa's first heavy-haul desert railway built with Chinese collaboration, officially opened this week, marking a milestone in regional infrastructure development. The 950-km line, constructed by China Railway Construction Corporation and Algerian partners, connects resource-rich southwestern regions to national transport networks, enhancing trade and mobility.
At Sunday's inauguration in Bechar Province, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune praised the project's efficiency, stating it "set new records for construction speed" through Sino-Algerian cooperation. Over 8,000 workers from both nations braved Sahara Desert extremes—50°C heat, sandstorms, and scarce resources—to complete the railway in 24 months.
Key Chinese technologies proved pivotal: The CPG500 track-laying machine operated reliably in harsh conditions, laying 500-meter rails with precision. Advanced 3D laser scanners and navigation systems countered heat-induced measurement distortions, enabling crews to lay 4.5 km of track daily—a regional record.
"The Chinese equipment exceeded all expectations," remarked a project supervisor, highlighting its stability amid temperature swings and sandstorms. The railway is projected to transport 50 million tonnes of iron ore annually while serving passenger needs, revitalizing remote communities.
This $2.6 billion project, Algeria's largest Chinese-built infrastructure venture, underscores deepening economic ties between Africa and the Chinese mainland. Analysts anticipate it will spur mining investments and regional integration, aligning with Algeria's 2030 development goals.
