The longest and most electrically operated railway in Africa

The longest and most electrically-powered railway in Africa: the railway line connecting Addis Ababa, the capital of Djibouti and the port city was opened.
The rail line connecting Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, to the capital and port city of Djibouti was opened.
The opening of the first longest and electrically operated railway line in Africa was made by Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and Djibouti President Ismail Omer Gulle.
Speaking at the ceremony held in Addis Ababa, Desalegn stated that the line will move the economic and cultural relations between the two countries and added: “It was previously a 6-week journey to reach the port of Djibouti from Addis Ababa. It will take only 10 hours to transport our people and commercial products with the new electric train. ” said.
Desalegn stated that the people of the two countries show great dedication for the construction of the line and said, “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all employees, engineers and managers of both countries. They represent the new faces of our economic and social integration, they represent the new face of Africa. ” he spoke.
"The railway line is a gift from the Chinese government to Africa," Desalegn said, adding that the line will contribute to the development and growth of other cities in the country.
Railway line to further improve relations between countries
According to the information provided, the longest railway in Africa is expected to further develop the economic relations between East African countries.
The railway line, which is about 656 kilometers long, was built by Chinese CREC and CCECC. 3,4 percent of the construction cost of the line, which cost approximately 70 billion dollars and is the first electric railway in Africa, was covered by China Exim Bank.
It is anticipated that the railroad, where cargo transportation will also be carried out, will affect the investments of China, which has an economic weight in the region. The fact that 90 percent of Ethiopia's import and export is realized through the port of Djibouti makes the line also important for the country.
The first railway construction between Addis Ababa and Djibouti started in 1897, the old line was in service until 2008.