Global InformationHistory of rail transport in Algeria information
The history of rail transport in Algeria began in 1857 during the French colonization with the implementation of an initial plan for the creation of a 1,357 kilometres (843 mi) railway network. This plan, formalized by a decree from Emperor Napoleon III, defined the initial framework of the Algerian railway network, which continued to evolve throughout the second half of the 19th century, both in terms of its scale and structure.
The initial railway network revolved around a main railway artery connecting the capital cities of the three departments of the country: Algiers, Constantine, and Oran. Branching out from these main lines were secondary lines that extended towards the major ports of the colony. These early railway lines primarily served the transportation of agricultural products and raw materials from Algeria to mainland France, as well as the movement of manufactured goods from coastal cities to the interior regions of the colony.
The Algerian railway network was constructed in a fragmented manner across different regions due to the presence of multiple concessionary companies and the lack of overall coordination. It was not until the early 20th century that the French government and the Algerian government unified the various components of the network and simplified its management by reducing the number of companies involved.
The railway network underwent significant evolution throughout the first half of the 20th century. At its peak, just before the outbreak of the Second World War, it encompassed up to 5,000 kilometres (3,100 mi) of railway lines. However, following the war, railway transport in Algeria faced competition from road transport, and several secondary lines were closed in the decades leading up to the country's independence.
In 1962, the newly established Algerian state initially focused on managing the existing railway network, ensuring efficient operation and maintenance. It was not until the early 2000s that a major plan for modernization and expansion of the network was implemented. This involved the creation of new railway lines, the doubling or electrification of existing ones, and a gradual extension of the network to cover the entire country.
Significant developments included the construction of a railway ring road in the High Plateaus and the ongoing completion of feeder lines connecting major cities in the northern Sahara region. Moreover, studies are currently being conducted to extend these lines through the Sahara, connecting the Algerian railway network with neighbouring countries to the south. This expansion aims to facilitate the transportation of various goods, such as minerals and petrochemical products, by rail between Sahelian countries, Algerian ports, Europe, and other global destinations.