Senegal: Seven New Trains Delivered for Phase 2 of the Dakar Regional Express Train
Strengthening of the rail network underway
The Dakar Regional Express Train (TER) network is preparing to welcome a new batch of seven trains in preparation for phase 2 of its operation. These new trains, ordered from Alstom and Caf, will reinforce the 15 trains already in service on the first section of the TER, operational since December 2021. A delegation from APIX-SA , delegated project owner, went to Reichshoffen, France, to supervise the loading of the railway vehicles, marking a key milestone in the delivery.
Towards better interconnection with the airport
Phase 2 of the project, currently under construction, extends over 19 kilometers and aims to connect Blaise Diagne International Airport to strategic destinations such as Thiès and Mbour . This extension will play a crucial role in improving public transport in Senegal, facilitating the travel of nearly 300,000 passengers per day. In addition to strengthening the rail network, this new link will facilitate access to the airport, located approximately 50 kilometers from downtown Dakar.
A success for urban mobility
Since its inauguration, the TER has become one of the main means of public transport in the Senegalese capital and its surroundings. In 2023, more than 41 million people used this network, according to figures from the National Company for the Management of the Heritage of the Regional Express Train (SEN-TER SA) .
In addition to the TER, other initiatives such as the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and the Dakar Dem Dikk bus lines are part of government policies aimed at reducing road congestion by offering efficient alternatives to the use of personal vehicles.
Conclusion: One step closer to sustainable mobility
With the arrival of these new trains and the upcoming commissioning of phase 2 of the TER, Dakar continues to strengthen its urban transport infrastructure. The development of this rail network, coupled with other urban mobility solutions, is part of Senegal’s vision of promoting efficient, sustainable public transport that is able to meet the growing demand of users. The TER, in particular, should help relieve road congestion and facilitate traffic between the capital and peripheral regions, thus consolidating its role as a pillar in the national mobility strategy.
