Mozambique Railways and Zimbabwe’s National Railways have signed agreements allowing CFM to operate locomotives in Zimbabwe, aimed at improving freight efficiency between the two nations. Key rail corridors, operational responsibilities, and reciprocal commitments on cargo volumes and infrastructure maintenance are integral to this partnership, which builds on previous agreements with South Africa.
Mozambique Railways (CFM) and the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) have recently entered into significant agreements, enabling CFM to operate its locomotives within Zimbabwe. This collaboration is designed to enhance freight movement between the two countries, offering businesses more reliable and cost-efficient rail services.
The signing ceremony took place in Maputo last week, attended by key officials, including CFM Chairman Agostinho Langa Júnior, Executive Director Cândido Jone, NRZ Chairman Michael Madiro, and NRZ General Manager Ainah Dube-Kaguru. The agreements specifically pertain to critical rail corridors linking Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
The agreements focus on two main corridors: the Southern Corridor, covering a 148-kilometre stretch from Chicualacuala to Rutenga, and the Central Corridor, extending 84 kilometres from Machipanda to Nyazura. CFM will provide its operational locomotives, staff for train operations, and necessary fuel for maintaining at least two daily round trips between the two nations.
In reciprocity, NRZ will ensure adequate cargo volumes for these services and uphold railway infrastructure for the safe transit of CFM’s locomotives. This new arrangement follows CFM’s earlier collaboration with South Africa’s Transnet Freight Rail in April 2023, which simplified cross-border operations, allowing uninterrupted train travel across borders and improving transit times.
Initially, this partnership yielded a 23% increase in magnetite export volumes, subsequently expanding to include exports of chrome and ferrochrome, alongside the daily operation of three trains. This strategic alliance holds promise for enhancing trade efficiency and reliability in the region.
The recent agreements between Mozambique Railways and the National Railways of Zimbabwe represent a significant advancement in regional trade logistics. By facilitating the operation of CFM’s locomotives in Zimbabwe and enhancing key rail corridors, both parties aim to streamline freight movement and boost export volumes. This initiative not only strengthens economic ties between the two nations but also builds upon existing collaborations in the Southern African region.
Original Source: www.freightnews.co.za
