Anesrif - Algiers - Tamanrasset Railway Line
Agence Nationale dâÃtudes et de la Réalisation des Investissements Ferroviaires (ANESRIF) is undertaking the construction of a 2,039 km Algiers-Tamanrasset railway line in southern Algeria.
The project is part of the Trans-Saharan Highway, which crosses six countries (Algeria, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Chad and Tunisia) and connects Algeria to the rest of the continent
The project is also called "The Trans-Desert Railway".
Loan Agreement Reference: 2000300001577
Project Identification Number: P-DZ-DC0-003
The project is divided into three main sections
Section 1: Ouargla and In Salah Railway Line
Section 2: In Salah â Tamanrasset Railway Line
Section 3: Tamanrasset-In Guezzam Railway Line
The US$20,400 million project includes the following:
1. Construction of Ouargla and In Salah Railway Line
a. Algiers to Laghouat (308 km)
b. Laghouat to Ghardaïa (265 km)
c. Ghardaïa to El Meniaa (230 km)
d. El Meniaa to In Salah (420 km)
2. Construction of In Salah â Tamanrasset Railway Line (650 km)
3. Construction of Tamanrasset-In Guezzam section (400km)
4. Construction of main structural facilities such as viaducts, tunnels, stations, junctions, and major crossings across all sections
5. Installation of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in stations and operational buildings
6. Laying of tracks throughout all sections between Algiers and Tamanrasset, including the border segment
7. Construction of road overpasses and road works in conjunction with railway alignment, including road-rail intersection structures
8. Construction of drainage works including culverts, pipe crossings, and installations for managing water flow and desert sand hazards
9. Installation of signalling systems and safety systems to ensure operational reliability and safety for both freight and passenger traffic
10. Installation of telecommunications, power supply, and other support infrastructure to maintain continuous operations in remote zones
11. Construction of associated facilities including resettlement-action infrastructure, station services, freight yards, and necessary administrative and logistic support
Second Section
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28 July 2026
Ghardaia to El Meniaa Railway Line: US$878 million has been secured from the African Development Bank (AFDB) for the development of the project.
29 March 2026
The main contract tender has been issued, and the bid submission date is May 24, 2026. (Source: MEED)
05 February 2026
Laghouat-Ghardaïa & Ghardaïa-El Menea Railway Line: The consultancy tender has been issued on February 04, 2026, and the bid submission deadline is on June 09, 2026. Also construction and supervision of works tender will be issued on February 11, 2026 and the bid submission deadline is on June 14, 2026, and the main contract tender is expected to be issued on February 17, 2026 and the bid submission deadline is on May 10, 2026 and expected to be awarded by June 30, 2026.
06 January 2026
Laghouat-Ghardaïa & Ghardaïa-El Menea Railway Line: The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a US$875 million loan for the project's development.
04 September 2025
The main contract tender is expected to be issued soon, and pre-construction arrangements have been formalised.
25 May 2025
Study works are progressing on the project.
20 December 2024
The National Agency for Studies and Monitoring of Railway Investment is preparing the technical and feasibility studies for the project. The studies for nearly 1,084-km of rail line have been finished and the remaining part will be ready soon.