PRESS RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)
ZRL ELATED BY ADVANCED DISCUSSIONS WITH THE EUROPEAN UNION ON TRACK REHABILITATION AND REMOVAL OF TEMPORARY SPEED RESTRICTIONS, THROUGH EU GRANT
KABWE, Zambia – 5th September 2025 – Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) is pleased to announce that discussions with the European Union (EU) on the repair works of the railway infrastructure through an EU grant have reached an advanced stage.
This action aims to enhance the operability and efficiency of the railway line managed by Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) and the regulatory and business environment of the railway sector in Zambia, making freight movement by rail competitive to promote mode shift from road transport, in line with the Zambia’s 8th National development Plan 2022-2026, the National Transport Policy 2019-2028 and the ZRL Strategic Business Plan (SBP) 2024 – 2028.
The development signals renewed momentum in ZRL’s strategic turnaround agenda, with track rehabilitation identified as a critical pillar in enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and competitiveness.
The EU grant, once finalized before the end of the year, is expected to significantly accelerate ZRL’s turnaround efforts, and play a role in the improvement of the railway infrastructure, one of the four critical success factors, others being Rolling stock availability, sustainable funding and operational efficiency.
The EU grant of Fifty Million Euros (€50 million) will assist Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) in rehabilitating its track, signaling and telecommunications systems, focusing on critical sections of the mainline, in line with Phase 1 of the SBP, thereby enabling increased freight volumes, reduced logistics costs, and enhanced private sector investment. If this Action (phase 1) is successfully implemented a 2nd Phase could follow in which the ZRL track, including branch and inter-mine lines will be fully renewed and upgraded, bringing it back to its design speed of 70 km/h and increasing the axle load from 18.5 tons to 22 tons.
Speaking during an update meeting between ZRL and EU in Lusaka, ZRL Managing Director Eng. Cuthbert Malindi was excited about the progress of the discussions, noting that the EU’s commitment underscores the importance of railway transport to Zambia’s economic development.
“We are elated by the positive and advanced discussions with the European Union so far. The rehabilitation works, will cover critical sections of the railway line that have for years hampered train speeds and operational efficiency. Government’s continued support to this project is commended. By undertaking this project, we aim to start restoring the reliability and safety of our railway services, thereby reinforcing our commitment to excellence and meeting the expectations of our customers and stakeholders,” said Eng. Malindi.
Meanwhile EU Head of Cooperation Mr. Claudio Bacigalupi disclosed that significant progress has been made to secure the grant earmarked for repair of ZRL’s railway infrastructure.
Mr. Bacigalugi commended the Government of the Republic of Zambia for its steadfast support and commitment to revitalizing the railway sector as a driver of economic transformation and regional integration.
The discussions on the EU grant, which are at an advanced stage, signify the strong partnership between the EU and Zambia in improving the railway sector.
Issued by:
Sombe Longwani – Ng’onga( Ms)
Manager Public Relations
