A Chinese construction company has achieved a major milestone in North Africa with the full completion of a 575-kilometer railway in western Algeria, setting a new record for railway construction across the Sahara Desert.
The project, widely known as the Western Algeria Railway, is the longest single railway line built by a Chinese enterprise in Algeria and represents Africa’s first heavy-haul railway constructed entirely across desert terrain. The successful completion marks a breakthrough in railway engineering under extreme conditions, including high temperatures, sandstorms, long distances without water sources, and limited infrastructure.
The railway crosses vast sections of the Sahara Desert and was completed ahead of schedule by approximately three months, demonstrating the efficiency and technical strength of Chinese railway construction teams. Advanced long-rail laying equipment was introduced during construction, achieving daily track-laying efficiencies of up to four kilometers.
Designed primarily for heavy-haul freight transport, the line will significantly improve the movement of mineral resources and bulk goods from Algeria’s inland regions to coastal ports. It is also expected to support future passenger services, further enhancing regional connectivity.
The completion of the railway will play a vital role in boosting Algeria’s mining logistics capacity, promoting economic development in desert regions, and strengthening transportation links across western Algeria. The project also stands as a flagship example of China–Algeria infrastructure cooperation under the Belt and Road framework.
Industry experts note that the successful delivery of the 575-km Sahara railway not only sets a new construction record in Africa’s desert environment, but also highlights the growing global competitiveness of Chinese railway technology and project management.
