IN a significant milestone, official data showcases the remarkable achievements of the Chinese-built Ethiopia-Djibouti railway, which has played a pivotal role in transportation and economic development in the region over the past six years.
According to disclosures from the railway’s Chinese management consortium on Friday, the 752-km Ethiopia-Djibouti railway has witnessed substantial activity since commencing commercial operations in January 2018. With the operation of 2,500 passenger trains, the railway has successfully transported 680,000 passengers, reflecting a growing demand for efficient cross-border transportation services.
Furthermore, the railway has operated 7,700 freight trains, facilitating the transportation of a staggering 9.5 million tons of cargo. This significant volume underscores the railway’s vital role in facilitating trade and commerce between Ethiopia and Djibouti. Notably, the railway has recorded an impressive average annual transportation revenue increase of 39 percent, amounting to a commercial transport revenue of nearly $197 million during the same period.
Since its inception, the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway has continuously expanded its service offerings, catering to diverse transportation needs. The introduction of high-quality services such as cold-chain transportation, commuter trains for rural communities, and special trains for automobile transportation reflects the railway’s commitment to meeting evolving market demands.
Beyond its role in transportation, the railway serves as a catalyst for economic development along its corridor. By connecting sea ports in Djibouti to dry ports and industrial parks in land-locked Ethiopia, it creates invaluable opportunities for trade and investment, fostering regional prosperity and integration.
In a symbolic gesture of partnership and progress, the Chinese management consortium of the Ethiopia-Djibouti standard gauge railway officially handed over the management responsibility of Africa’s first electrified cross-border railway to Ethiopia and Djibouti. This transition marks the culmination of six years of successful operation, heralding a new chapter in the region’s transportation infrastructure and cross-border connectivity.
