News

Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) has launched a community-based vegetation control and weeding programme along selected sections of the railway line as part of its commitment to improving operational efficiency, enhancing safety and creating temporal employment opportunities for local communities.

ZRL has engaged Two Hundred and Ninety -Three (293) community members along the line of rail from Livingstone to Kitwe . The vegetation control and weeding exercise which commenced on Tuesday 17th February 2026 is expected to take about 14 days.

The initiative will engage community members living along the railway corridor to undertake routine vegetation clearing, bush control and maintenance of designated sections of track. The programme is expected to generate short-term employment while strengthening community participation in safeguarding railway infrastructure.

The vegetation overgrowth along railway tracks can obstruct visibility, increase fire risks and interfere with safe train operations. Regular clearing of vegetation is a regular exercise , and therefore critical to maintaining smooth railway operations and protecting the infrastructure.

This programme not only enhances safety and operational reliability but also empowers communities by providing income-generating opportunities.We believe local communities are key partners in protecting and preserving railway assets.

Key objectives of the exercise include:

• Improving visibility for train drivers along curves and level crossings

• Reducing fire hazards caused by dry vegetation.

• Preventing obstruction of drainage systems.

• Supporting punctual and efficient train movement.

• Creating employment and community income opportunities.

Engaging communities fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility toward railway infrastructure, helping to reduce vandalism and encroachment along the rail corridor.

ZRL reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a safe, reliable and efficient railway system that contributes to national economic development.