Algerian Radio
Preliminary technical trials on the western mining railway line, connecting Bechar, Tindouf, and Gara Djebilet, began on Tuesday using a locomotive specially equipped for passenger transport, announced the National Agency for Studies and Follow-up of the Implementation of Railway Investments (ANESRIF).
ANESRIF Director General Azzedine Fridi, accompanied by the agency's central executives, project managers, as well as representatives from public companies and the Chinese partner involved in the construction of this major railway infrastructure, conducted a test journey from Tindouf station to Bechar, the agency clarified.
The journey took place aboard a locomotive dedicated to this type of preliminary technical testing on railway lines, it was indicated.
It is worth recalling that this major project, covering a distance of 950 km along the Bechar-Tindouf-Gara Djebilet railway axis, was completed in record time.
The works, which began in late 2023 under the supervision of ANESRIF as the project owner, mainly aim to exploit the Gara Djebilet iron deposit while opening up a large part of the country's southwestern wilayas. This is being achieved through the construction of several passenger and freight stations in Tindouf, Oum Lassel, Gara Djebilet, Tabelbella, Hammaguir, and Abadla, sources explained.
This vast railway project was primarily executed by national companies such as Cosider Travaux Publics, EPTP Alger, SEROR Est, ENGOA, Infrarail, SNTP, GCB, Infrafer, and SAPTA, along with the Chinese partner CRCC. Meanwhile, technical monitoring of the site was ensured by various public design offices, the statement added.
It should be noted that the final touches on the Western mining railway line project are currently underway, with a view to its commissioning during the month of January. This is in accordance with instructions given by the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, during the Council of Ministers meeting held on November 16, 2025.
