Since the Lobito Corridor concession began operations in January, the Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) and the Mota-Engil Angola Group have successfully carried out 3,000 train operations.
This includes 2,600 passenger and 400 freight trains, showcasing the corridor’s growing role as a critical transportation link in Angola. According to Francisco França, executive president of LAR and the Mota-Engil Group, this progress follows a series of preparatory works, such as geometric and geotechnical surveys, to ensure the line’s integrity and to plan the necessary investments for long-term operation.
Maintenance work is ongoing along the corridor, focusing on enhancing the line’s infrastructure. This includes installing ballasts, leveling tracks, and realigning the geometry, with Mota-Engil responsible for these tasks under a 30-year contract.
Additionally, significant upgrades are being made to the railway line, such as welding rails, replacing key bridges, and improving buildings at the 70 stations along the route. Efforts are also directed towards repairing and equipping workshops to support the corridor’s operational demands.
The Lobito Atlantic Railway has integrated advanced technology to manage the railway efficiently. Despite theft and vandalism of the physical signaling system, the company has adapted by using virtual systems like VHS radios and telephones to communicate across the line. Plans are underway to integrate satellite and fiber optic networks to enhance these communication systems.
Furthermore, LAR has launched an international tender involving 22 companies to provide these services, ensuring robust and modern management of the corridor’s infrastructure.
As part of the concession agreement, LAR has taken over state assets and integrated around 500 workers from the Caminhos-de-Ferro de Benguela (CFB) and Porto do Lobito into its workforce, which now totals 800. The Lobito Corridor, an essential trade route spanning from Angola to Zambia via the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), also connects with major ports in Tanzania, Mozambique, and South Africa, highlighting its significance in regional trade and infrastructure development.
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