Mozambique Railways and National Railways of Zimbabwe have signed agreements for CFM to operate its locomotives in Zimbabwe. This partnership aims to improve freight services between the two nations. Key officials attended the signing in Maputo, where it was announced that CFM will manage operational aspects while NRZ handles cargo volumes and infrastructure maintenance. The agreements follow a similar arrangement with South Africa’s Transnet Freight Rail, enhancing operational efficiency.
Mozambique Railways (CFM) and the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) have entered into essential agreements that will facilitate the operation of CFM locomotives within Zimbabwe. This collaboration intends to enhance the freight movement efficiency between Mozambique and Zimbabwe, ultimately providing businesses with more dependable and cost-efficient rail freight services.
The signing ceremony in Maputo last week included notable officials such as CFM Chairman Agostinho Langa Júnior, Executive Director Cândido Jone, NRZ Chairman Michael Madiro, and NRZ General Manager Ainah Dube-Kaguru. These agreements specifically target significant rail corridors that connect the two nations, including the Southern Corridor, which encompasses a 148-kilometre route from Chicualacuala to Rutenga, and the Central Corridor, stretching 84 kilometres from Machipanda to Nyazura.
According to the agreements, CFM will be responsible for supplying operational locomotives, staffing for train operations, and necessary fuel and consumables to ensure at least two daily round-trips on these routes. In reciprocation, NRZ is tasked with providing adequate cargo volumes while ensuring the railway infrastructure is maintained for the safe passage of CFM locomotives throughout the network.
These agreements come on the heels of a previous arrangement between CFM and South Africa’s Transnet Freight Rail established in April 2023, which streamlines cross-border train operations from Mpumalanga to the Port of Maputo. This deal has already proven effective by allowing train operations without the need for locomotive changes at the border, consequently minimizing freight transit durations and enhancing operational efficiency.
The initiative’s initial phase achieved a remarkable 23% increase in magnetite export volumes. Furthermore, the arrangement has been expanded to encompass chrome and ferrochrome exports, with plans for operating three trains daily, substantially augmenting trade between the two nations.
In conclusion, the partnership between Mozambique Railways and the National Railways of Zimbabwe is poised to significantly enhance freight movement efficiency between the two countries. The agreements not only facilitate operational logistics with CFM’s locomotives operating in Zimbabwe but also promise improved reliability and cost-effectiveness for businesses engaged in cross-border trade. This collaboration seeks to strengthen regional trade networks and support economic growth.
Original Source: www.freightnews.co.za
