This May, Zambia’s Government will launch the construction works of Chipata-Petauke- Serenje railway, a USD 2.3 billion project, the country’s President Edgar Lungu said. The project, that will offer the railway link between Zambia’s eastern part to the north is expected to be completed within 4 years.
The railway line will link Zambia’s main rail network with the Malawian network through Chipata-Mchinji railway line. This will provide the shortest route of 1500 km to the sea from Kapiri-Mposhi.
“The Administration remains firmly committed to rapidly develop our infrastructure so that we make Zambia a hub in information communication technology, power generation and distribution, tourism and transport among others,” President Lungu said.
China Civil Engineering Construction Cooperation is responsible for the construction works on the 389 km line from Chipata through Petauke in Eastern Province to Serenje in Central Province.
This railway line will enhance international trade through the Nacala Development Corridor (of Mozambique) thereby providing direct economic stimulus in Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.
Zambia Railways Limited is expected to benefit from the construction of the railway line as the line connectivity will provide reliable and cost effective bulk transportation to the mining, energy, agricultural sectors, etc among Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique and the region at large.
The line will provide a link from mining, agricultural and industrial production centers with distant markets as well as a link for transportation of mining inputs, agricultural inputs and industrial raw materials. The line will also see a reduction in the transporta costs for the customers as this route is the shortest to the sea port.
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