Beljoud: Launching projects to expand the railway network north-south – Al-Houwar Algeria

The Minister of Transport, Kamel Beljoud, announced today, Thursday in Algiers, the start of practical preparations to launch projects to expand the railway network from north to south.
And Beljoud explained, during a public session in the National People’s Assembly devoted to oral questions, that “the interests of his ministerial department, upon receiving the instructions of the President of the Republic in this regard, began to take practical measures to materialize railway projects across the entire national territory, including projects that cross the southern states, similar to Ouargla.” “.
And “the completion of these important projects is among the priorities registered for the current year” for the transport sector, as confirmed by the minister.
In this context, Beljoud revealed that the railway line in the state of Ghardaïa, which extends over a distance of 170 km, is currently in the feasibility study stage, highlighting that it forms part of the south-eastern railway ring that starts from Metlili station to Ouargla station, and extends to Ouargla station. Outside the oil pole in Hassi Messaoud.
Regarding the Ouargla-Hassi Messaoud line at a distance of 85 km, the minister explained that the stage of the feasibility study, topographic survey and geotechnical investigation is “almost completed” and that the project is in the final stage of preparing the final report.
With regard to the Touggart-Hassi Messaoud line project with a length of 150 km, which is a continuation of the Constantine-Tougret line, the rate of progress of works has reached 62 percent, according to the minister, who indicated the great economic importance of this project as it connects the oil pole with the ports located in the north-east of the country, in addition to To being a mixed line between passenger and cargo transportation.
In the same context, he pointed out that the companies executing this project faced many difficulties that affected the pace of work.
And the minister mentioned that, within the framework of the north-south line, a section has been completed that will open during the first quarter of the current year along a length of 250 km between Bougzoul and Laghouat, provided that the completion of another line towards Bashar begins later.
Regarding the strategy for developing railway transport at the level of the high plateaus, he confirmed that the planned projects have been completed by 95 percent, with a total distance of 1160 km.
In response to a question about the project to expand the railway linking the city of Azazga and the Oued Aissa station in the wilaya of Tizi Ouzou, the minister stated that this line, which will extend over a distance of 25 km, is currently in the feasibility study stage, highlighting that two proposals are being studied regarding the route of this line. .
The delay in realizing this project is due to the health conditions associated with the Corona pandemic and the lack of financial capabilities to launch it, according to the minister.
With regard to a question about the expansion of Setif Tramway, the minister explained that after receiving the first line with a distance of 15.2 km and equipped with 24 stations in 2018, it was proposed to record an in-depth study for the second line, which belongs to the northern region of the city, with a length of 7.5 km along 19 stations. From “Al-Hadab 3” University, passing through the city center, to the Hashemi Hussein university district.
And by the way, the Minister of Transport announced the entry into service next Saturday of the Mostaganem Tramway, as he will inaugurate it during a visit that will lead him to this wilaya.
With regard to licenses related to taxis, Beljud confirmed that the Ministry’s interests have registered several requests in various states and are in the process of making a final decision in this regard.
On the other hand, the minister stated that his interests “are currently working on providing all the conditions for success” with regard to transportation for the Hajj and Umrah operations, as well as the upcoming summer season, noting that the programs related to these occasions will be finally set next March.