The Benguela Railway (Caminho de Ferro de Benguela, or CFB) is a vital Cape gauge railway line that stretches across Angola, running from the Atlantic port of Lobito to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is not only the largest but also the most critical railway in the country. Its historical and economic significance is highlighted by its role in transporting goods from the Copperbelt region and its connection to the Cape to Cairo Railway, facilitating commerce across southern Africa.
Route and Operation:
- Route: The railway extends from Lobito on the Atlantic coast, traversing west to east through Angola before reaching Tenke in the DRC.
- Connections: It links directly to the Cape to Cairo Railway, stretching from Kindu in the DRC to Port Elizabeth in South Africa.
- Capacity and Infrastructure: With a design speed of 90 km/h, the line can handle up to 20 million tons of cargo and 4 million passengers annually. Its 67 stations and 42 bridges service a significant route reaching a maximum elevation of 1,854 meters.
Equipment and Rolling Stock:
- Locomotives: Various locomotive types, including CKD8F and C30ACi, are used for both freight and passenger services.
Historical Development:
- Construction: Built in 1899 to facilitate trade routes, the Benguela Railway was fully completed by 1929, following a concession granted to Sir Robert Williams. The railway played a crucial role in exporting minerals and supporting economic growth, especially in the early 1970s.
- Civil War Impact: The Angolan Civil War caused significant damage to the railway, reducing it to near disuse. By 2001, only a small section of the original line was operational.
Rehabilitation and Modern Era:
- Reconstruction: After the civil war ended, reconstruction commenced, and by 2014 the China Railway Construction Corporation had fully restored the railway, with 100,000 workers involved in the project. In 2015, the railway was officially reopened.
- Lobito Atlantic Railway: In 2023, a 30-year concession was granted to the Lobito Atlantic Railway company, a partnership involving Trafigura, Mota-Engil, and Vecturis SA. The company is set to invest $455 million in Angola and $100 million in the DRC to upgrade the network.
Recent Developments:
- In April 2023, the Angolan government approved funding for a 260 km extension to Saurimo, the capital of Lunda Sul province.
- Presidents from Angola, the DRC, and Zambia attended the concession agreement ceremony, underscoring the regional importance of this railway.
Challenges and Accidents:
- The Tolunda rail accident in 1994 is a notable tragic event in the railway’s history, where faulty brakes led to a crash, claiming 300 lives.
The Benguela Railway remains crucial to the transportation infrastructure of Angola and its neighboring countries, promoting regional economic development and integration.
