Africa is gradually embracing high-speed rail projects, although none of them are currently among the fastest in the world. However, several countries are making significant strides in improving their rail infrastructure to facilitate faster train travel.
1. Morocco: Known for its Al Boraq high-speed train, which connects Tangier to Casablanca, Morocco boasts one of the fastest train services in Africa. With a maximum speed of 320 km/h (200 mph), it significantly reduces travel time between these major cities.
2. Algeria: Algeria operates the High Plateau line, with trains reaching speeds of up to 220 km/h (137 mph). This line connects Algiers, the capital, with Oran, the country’s second-largest city, making it a crucial transportation link for both passengers and freight.
3. South Africa: While not yet fully operational, South Africa has been working on the Gautrain project, which aims to establish a high-speed rail connection between Johannesburg, Pretoria, and the O.R. Tambo International Airport. Once completed, trains are expected to travel at speeds of up to 160 km/h (100 mph), significantly reducing travel time and congestion on the roads.
4. Nigeria: Nigeria is currently working on the Lagos–Ibadan standard gauge railway, which will eventually connect Lagos, the country’s largest city, to Ibadan, a major economic hub. While not classified as high-speed rail, the new line is expected to significantly increase travel speeds compared to the existing service.
5. Egypt: Egypt has been investing in its rail infrastructure, including the construction of high-speed rail lines. The first phase of the Cairo-Alexandria high-speed railway, with speeds of up to 250 km/h (155 mph), is operational, providing faster travel between the country’s two largest cities.
These countries are at different stages of development in their high-speed rail projects, with some already operational and others still in progress. As Africa continues to invest in its rail infrastructure, we can expect to see further advancements in high-speed train services across the continent in the coming years.…..See More
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