Remise en service du train de voyageurs sur la ligne Constantine-Alger
Reopening of the Constantine-Algiers Railway Line: A Significant Milestone
On Thursday, the official restart of the passenger railway service between Constantine and Algiers was announced by Abdelkhalek Sayouda, the Wali (Governor) of Constantine, alongside Adj Bouaouni, the Director General of the National Railway Transport Company (SNTF). This momentous event marks the resumption of services after a seven-year hiatus since 2018.
In his address to the press, Wali Sayouda characterized the reopening as a "major achievement for the residents of the wilaya," emphasizing the positive implications it holds for the local community. The railway line is expected to enhance travel efficiency, providing passengers with comfort and significant time savings.
The resumption of this service is only the beginning; there are plans to introduce additional trains to further bolster the service, as part of a national program aimed at acquiring railway transport equipment. Sayouda highlighted the critical role this initiative plays in enhancing the quality of public transport, thereby facilitating smoother commuting.
Moreover, the Director General of the SNTF commended the reactivation of the line and reiterated ongoing efforts aimed at connecting Constantine to the wider national railway network. He outlined plans under the national program for the rehabilitation, maintenance, renewal, and modernization of existing railway infrastructure, which comes with a budget exceeding 41 billion Algerian Dinars. Specific areas under consideration for improvements include stretches of railway within Constantine, with particular attention to the maintenance of tracks like El Gourzi – Constantine and Constantine – Zighoud Youcef, where incidents of derailment have occurred.
During this event, Sayouda, along with the SNTF director, inaugurated three newly completed stations located at Daksi Abdeslem, El Gammas (in Constantine), and El Mouzina (in El Khroub), aimed at enhancing suburban train operations. The SNTF’s DG mentioned the continuing efforts to electrify the suburbs of Constantine, which would modernize the transport system.
According to the service schedule established by SNTF, trains from Constantine to Algiers will operate three times weekly, departing from Constantine station on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, with a stop at Bordj Bou Arreridj. Conversely, trains will leave Algiers for Constantine on Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays, following the same route.
This reopening reflects a significant commitment to improving public transport in Algeria, enhancing connectivity between key cities, and addressing operational challenges that have previously hindered travel. The government’s focus on reinvesting in rail infrastructure signals a forward-thinking approach to meet the growing transportation demands of the population while also potentially stimulating local economies by making travel easier and more accessible.
Summary
The restart of the Constantine-Algiers railway service is a pivotal development for Algeria, following a seven-year break that hindered connectivity. With the Governor of Constantine, Abdelkhalek Sayouda, and SNTF Director General Adj Bouaouni at the forefront, the initiative promises enhanced travel efficiency and increased quality of public transportation for residents.
The resumption of services is coupled with plans for future train additions and a national rehabilitation program aimed at modernizing railway infrastructure, backed by a budget of over 41 billion DZD. Key maintainance areas include critical tracks that have faced operational issues, bolstering overall safety and efficiency.
In conjunction with the railway revival, three new stations have opened to support suburban travel, with plans for rail electrification underway. The service schedule includes multiple trips per week, ensuring regular connectivity between Constantine and Algiers, while also stopping at Bordj Bou Arreridj.
This railway project’s significance goes beyond transportation; it represents a broader initiative to improve public commuting facilities, stimulate economic growth, and foster regional connectivity across Algeria, showing the government’s commitment to developing and modernizing infrastructure for its citizens.
