Tunisia – The Ministry of Transport in Tunisia announced that it has begun preparing preliminary studies for a project aimed at linking the national railway network with both Libya and Algeria, as part of a development plan extending until 2028.
The announcement came in response to a parliamentary inquiry regarding the status of the Tunisian National Railway Company. The ministry clarified that the program includes improving the readiness of transport equipment, acquiring spare parts for the maintenance of locomotives and wagons, as well as developing maintenance centers.
The ministry revealed the allocation of approximately ten million dinars to conduct a preliminary study for the creation of a high-performance railway axis linking the north of the country to the south, extending to the Algerian and Libyan borders. It confirmed that the tender dossier for selecting a consortium of studies has been prepared and is under review.
It also referred to a project to renew 190 kilometers of phosphate transport lines, representing the first phase of a plan to renew the entire network, which spans 606 kilometers.
This step comes within the context of trilateral cooperation between Tunisia, Libya, and Algeria in the field of passenger and freight transport. Algerian experts had previously proposed the idea of a high-speed train project with a speed of up to 300 kilometers per hour, starting from the city of Oran, passing through Algiers and Annaba, then entering Tunisian territory to stop at stations outside the capital, Jamm, and Medenine, before heading to Tripoli and Benghazi in Libya.
Tunisia
Tunisia is a North African country with a rich history shaped by ancient civilizations, including the Phoenician city of Carthage, Roman rule, and later Arab-Islamic influence. Its cultural sites, such as the well-preserved Roman amphitheater at El Jem and the historic medina of Tunis, reflect this diverse heritage. Today, it is known as the birthplace of the Arab Spring and for its blend of Mediterranean and Arab cultures.
Libya
Libya is a North African country with a rich history rooted in ancient civilizations like the Phoenicians and Romans, followed by centuries of Arab and Ottoman influence. In the modern era, it was an Italian colony before gaining independence in 1951, later becoming known for Muammar Gaddafi’s lengthy rule from 1969 until the 2011 revolution. The country is home to UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the ruins of Leptis Magna, which testify to its significant historical legacy.
Algeria
Algeria is a North African country with a rich history shaped by ancient Berber kingdoms, Roman rule, and centuries as part of the Ottoman Empire before being colonized by France in the 19th century. It gained independence in 1962 after a prolonged war of liberation, and its cultural heritage includes numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Roman ruins of Timgad and the historic Casbah of Algiers.
Tunisian National Railway Company
The Tunisian National Railway Company, known as SNCFT, is the state-owned operator of Tunisia’s rail network, founded in 1956 after the country’s independence. It manages passenger and freight services across the nation, with its infrastructure having origins in the late 19th century during the French protectorate.
Oran
Oran is a major port city on the northwest coast of Algeria, founded by Andalusian traders in the 10th century. It has a rich history of successive rule, including periods under Spanish, Ottoman, and French control, which is reflected in its diverse architecture and cultural heritage. Today, it is known as a vibrant economic and cultural center.
Algiers
Algiers is the capital city of Algeria, founded by the Phoenicians and later developed as a major port under the Ottoman Empire. Its iconic Casbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a historic medina known for its steep, narrow streets and Ottoman-era palaces and mosques.
Annaba
Annaba is a coastal city in northeastern Algeria, historically known as Hippo Regius, which was a major city in the Roman Empire and later the home of Saint Augustine in the 4th century. Its ancient ruins and the prominent Basilica of Saint Augustine reflect its significant role in early Christian history. Today, it remains an important industrial and port center.
Tunis
Tunis is the capital city of Tunisia, historically founded by the Berbers and later established as a major center under the Hafsid dynasty in the 13th century. Its medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, contains the ancient Al-Zaytuna Mosque and reflects the city’s significance as a hub of Islamic learning and Arab culture.
Jamm
Jamm is a contemporary cultural center located in Brussels, Belgium, housed in a renovated art deco garage. It serves as a vibrant hub for urban culture, focusing on music, street art, and community events. The venue’s history is rooted in its adaptive reuse, transforming a former industrial space into a dynamic platform for artistic expression since its opening.
Medenine
Medenine is a city in southeastern Tunisia known for its distinctive fortified granaries called “ghorfas,” which are traditional Berber structures used historically to store grain and goods. These unique multi-level dwellings, often built from clay and stone, reflect the region’s historical role as a trading and agricultural center for nomadic communities.
Tripoli
Tripoli is the capital and largest city of Libya, with a history dating back to the 7th century BC when it was founded by the Phoenicians. It later became a significant Roman city and a major port under various rulers, including the Ottomans and Italians, which is reflected in its historic medina and diverse architecture.
Benghazi
Benghazi is a major city in eastern Libya, historically significant as a center of trade and culture since its founding as the Greek colony of Euesperides. It played a pivotal role in Libya’s modern history, serving as a co-capital and a focal point during the 2011 revolution.
