MADAGASCAR: the first Urban Train line will soon link Soarano to Amoronankona

Madagascar's first "Urban Train" line will be operational in a few weeks' time to help relieve congestion in the capital Antananarivo.

Good news for the people of Madagascar. The first “Urban Train” line will come into service in a few weeks’ time. At a total cost of 179 billion ariary (36.4 million euros), financed entirely by the island’s government, 95% of the work, due to start in 2021, has already been completed by the Madarail company. The infrastructure will provide a 12-kilometre link between Soarano station near Antananarivo and Amoronakona.

Pending the start of construction of a second, 3.5-kilometre line, the nine stations in this first stage will be able to serve up to 3,000 passengers every hour. The aim is to facilitate travel for people who are used to long distances and interminable waits, particularly for the transport of their goods.

The Madagascar Urban Train will be operated by the “Société d’exploitation du Train urbain”, which is currently being set up, according to the Antananarivo authorities. It will be under the technical supervision of the Madagascan Ministry of Transport and Meteorology. The rail network will be powered by a 5 MW solar power plant built by the public utility Jiro sy rano malagasy (JIRAMA).

This rail project is part of the Transport Master Plan (SDT) being implemented in this East African country. It is accompanied by the Antananarivo cable car, comprising 78 pylons and financed by a €152 million loan from France. The first “Red Line” will have 4 stations linking Anosy and Ambatobe in 30 minutes. The work is being carried out by Colas, a subsidiary of the French group Bouygues, and its compatriot Poma, which specialises in cable transport.