Uganda has officially launched the construction of a major new railway line, the Malaba-Kampala route, which is expected to cost approximately $3 billion. The groundbreaking ceremony, held in the eastern part of the country, marks the beginning of a project that aims to transform transportation in the region.
Uganda’s President emphasized the significant benefits of the new railway, particularly for the capital, Kampala. “With more rail transport in the city, we expect a decrease in the number of cars coming into the city centre, which will help ease congestion,” he stated. He also highlighted that the new line will drastically reduce travel time. Currently, journeys take up to 14 days, but once completed, the new rail link will cut this down to just 24 hours, leading to lower business costs.
The 273-kilometre railway will run from Malaba, a settlement on the border with Kenya, to Kampala. The project not only promises to enhance domestic travel but also strengthen ties between Uganda and Kenya, with the line serving as a vital connection between the two countries.
The railway will feature seven new stations and three cargo terminals, with trains reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h. The construction work is being carried out by the Turkish company Yapi Merkezi, which was awarded the contract for the ambitious project.
