Mozambique Railways and Zimbabwe’s National Railways signed agreements for CFM’s locomotive operations in Zimbabwe. This partnership aims to enhance freight movement, providing efficient services through key rail corridors, with commitments to shared operational responsibilities. The deal follows a prior agreement with Transnet Freight Rail to improve cross-border rail efficiency.
Mozambique Railways (CFM) and the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) recently signed pivotal agreements allowing CFM to use its locomotives within Zimbabwe. This partnership enhances freight operations, offering businesses a more efficient and cost-effective rail service for cargo movement between the two countries. Key figures at the signing included CFM Chairman Agostinho Langa Júnior and NRZ Chairman Michael Madiro, highlighting the importance of this collaboration.
The two agreements focus on critical rail corridors connecting Mozambique and Zimbabwe, namely: the Southern Corridor, a 148-kilometer route from Chicualacuala to Rutenga, and the Central Corridor, which spans 84 kilometers between Machipanda and Nyazura. These routes are strategically significant for trade and transportation between the two nations.
As part of the agreements, CFM is responsible for providing operational locomotives, facilitating train operations with trained personnel, and supplying fuel and consumables necessary for a minimum of two daily round-trips. Conversely, NRZ will ensure sufficient cargo volumes on these routes and maintain the infrastructure for the safe and efficient movement of CFM’s locomotives.
These recent agreements build on CFM’s earlier collaboration with South Africa’s Transnet Freight Rail established in April 2023, which improved cross-border train operations between Mpumalanga and the Port of Maputo, eliminating the need for locomotive changes at borders. This enhancement significantly reduces freight transit times and boosts operational efficiency.
The initial phase of this collaboration resulted in a remarkable 23% increase in magnetite export volumes, with the agreement later expanded to include chrome and ferrochrome exports, allowing for the operation of three trains daily to meet increasing demand.
The rail deal between Mozambique Railways and the National Railways of Zimbabwe marks a significant step towards improving freight transport efficiency between the two nations. With operational locomotives provided by CFM and infrastructure support from NRZ, the collaboration aims for enhanced cargo volume and an overall reduction in transportation time, improving economic ties and trade opportunities.
Original Source: www.freightnews.co.za
