Mozambique’s rail transport registered in 2024 the highest number of passengers in recent years, with more than 6.8 million people transported in the Central and Southern regions of the country. This figure exceeds the initial forecasts of Mozambique Railways (CFM) by about half a million and represents a 3% growth compared to the previous year.
This milestone comes in the year the country celebrates 50 years of independence, reinforcing the historic role of the train as an economical and safe alternative, especially for passengers who regularly travel between urban centers and the outskirts of major cities.
Despite a context marked by post-electoral tension, which resulted in some disruptions and damage to rolling stock, services remained active and demand continued to rise. In the city of Maputo, the train remains the preferred option for many users, such as Vitória Novela, 20, who regularly travels to Magude. “The train is cheaper and safer. I prefer to take a little longer and get home safely than to risk a chapa [informal minibus],” she says.
The price difference is significant: while the train ticket costs 100 meticais, the same route by informal road transport can reach 160 meticais.
Other passengers also highlight the comfort and flexibility of rail transport. Abílio Cossa, a bricklayer, says he prefers the train because it allows him to carry tools and other materials without extra costs and offers better travel conditions. “It is more spacious and calm. You can even chat or play cards with colleagues during the journey,” he shared.
According to CFM data, 6,815,251 passengers were transported in 2024, only on the Central-South system. The national rail network has about 3,000 kilometers, divided between the South, Center, and North regions, without direct connection among them but with extensions to neighboring countries such as South Africa, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe.
The company is now preparing for a new modernization phase, highlighting the electrification of the Maputo–Ressano Garcia line, planned for the next five years. The project is part of a public investment package of nearly $215 million (14.2 billion meticais), which includes the acquisition of new carriages, wagons, and doubling of sections with heavy freight traffic.
At the end of the line, among passengers carrying goods and street vendors, some would not trade the train for any other means. Teresa Amade, 67, retired, sums up the feeling of many long-time users. “For years I took the train to go to work. Today I pay only 15 meticais to get home. It’s affordable, comfortable, and safe.”
Source: Lusa
