Mozambique Railways (CFM) and National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) have signed agreements allowing CFM to operate trains in Zimbabwe. This collaboration aims to improve freight services between the two nations, including designated rail corridors, ensuring cargo volume and infrastructure support to enhance efficiency.
Mozambique Railways (CFM) and the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) have established significant agreements permitting CFM to utilize its locomotives in Zimbabwe. This initiative is designed to enhance the efficiency of freight transport between Mozambique and Zimbabwe by delivering businesses with reliable and cost-effective rail services. Notable officials from both organizations, including CFM Chairman Agostinho Langa Júnior and NRZ Chairman Michael Madiro, attended the signing ceremony held in Maputo last week.
The new operational agreements focus on vital rail corridors connecting the two countries. These routes comprise the Southern Corridor, a 148-kilometre stretch from Chicualacuala to Rutenga, and the Central Corridor, an 84-kilometre link between Machipanda and Nyazura. According to the agreements, CFM will provide operational locomotives, qualified personnel to operate the trains, and necessary fuel to facilitate at least two daily round-trips.
In exchange, NRZ will ensure sufficient cargo volumes for the designated routes and uphold railway infrastructure to guarantee the safe passage of CFM’s locomotives. This recent agreement builds on CFM’s prior partnership with South Africa’s Transnet Freight Rail, established in April 2023, which streamlined cross-border train operations from Mpumalanga to the Port of Maputo. This prior deal has enabled the trains to operate without needing locomotive changes at the border, thereby shortening freight transit times and increasing overall efficiency.
The initial phase of collaboration resulted in a remarkable 23% increase in the export of magnetite. This agreement has since been broadened to encompass the export of chrome and ferrochrome, as well as facilitating the daily operation of three trains.
The recent partnership between CFM and NRZ marks a significant step toward improving freight transport efficiency between Mozambique and Zimbabwe. By establishing operational agreements focused on key rail corridors and ensuring adequate infrastructure and cargo volumes, the two organizations aim to enhance service reliability and reduce transit times. This collaboration not only builds upon previous agreements with South Africa’s Transnet Freight Rail but also sets the stage for future growth in rail freight capacity and volume.
Original Source: www.freightnews.co.za
