Senegal, the westernmost country in West Africa, situated along the Atlantic Ocean coast, served by multiple air and maritime travel routes and known as the “Gateway to Africa”, a land that lies at an ecological boundary with diverse landscapes where oceanfront filled by beautiful beaches, tropical rainforest, small plateaus, marshy swaplands, and semiarid grassland converge, highlighted by a rich history and a vibrant culture is upgrading its railway sector that is undergoing a major transformation aimed at improving transport and unlocking tourism potential.
A landmark project putting tourism on track includes the expansion of the Train Express Régional (TER), West Africa’s first electrified railway that connect Dakar to Blaise International Airport (AIDB) located 57 kilometres away from the capital of the country, a rail link via Diamniadio that also aims to facilitate travel between the major centre of Senegal and its suburbs.
The TER project seeks to relieve traffic congestion in Dakar by offering a faster and more efficient mode of transportation and is being developed in two phases. Phase one completed in December 2021 marked a significant milestone connecting Dakar with Diamniadio spanning 36 kilometres, serving 13 strategically placed stations, and the second phase is now focusing on extending the line to the airport and further developing the railway network.
Since its 2021 debut, the TER has transported over 21 million passengers. Its phase 2 extension, connecting Dakar city centre to AIDB, is set to start in late 2025, enhancing airport accessibility for travellers and tourism operators alike.
A further relevant project is the revitalization of the historic Dakar - Bamako metre - gauge line, a 1.287 kilometres line connecting the port of Dakar with Bamako, the capital of Mali.
The rail route, originally called Chemin de Fer Dakar - Niger opened in 1924 played a crucial role in comnnecting the landlocked Mali and Sahel region to the Atlantic Ocean. it was once a very important trade artery, but the line has excperienced significant issues, including closures and a lack of investment.
The upgrade of the old Dakar - Bamako route begins with the Dakar - Tambacounda segment to restore regional cross - border rail links, an operation that will notably drive trade and tourism with neighbouring Mali.
Modernisation includes new signalling systems and enhanced railway safety measures. Senegalese transport expertes are advocating for international safety benchmarks, community outreach, and staff training to support the long - term success of the project.
Improved rail infrastructure in Senegal is expected to foster regional exploration, opening new pathways for cultural tourism in a land with a with an enormous potential and in addition the creation of multi - country travel itineraries across West Africa.
Link
https://atta.travel/resource/senegal-s-rail-upgrades-put-tourism-on-track.html
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