DAKAR, SENEGAL- Dakar’s new regional $1.3 billion Express Train system was newly launched to the people of Senegal.
The state owned railway line was one of the many initiatives of Senegal President Macky Sall with aims to limit massive traffic Jams in the west African metropolis and to revive the nation’s infrastructure by 2035.
Launched in Dakar, the railway line is intended to connect the nation’s capital with Diamniadio, which is located about 30 kilometers from Dakar City Center. The first new railway system to operate since Senegal’s independence from France in 1980, the TER will operate within 13 stations between Dakar and Diamniadio.
“Senegalese people deserve to travel on comfort and safety, while controlling their time, within a mass transport system that meets the best international standards,” a statement issued by the government on Monday read. Over the years, further extensions will be made to connect the main airport and eventually, other cities too.
The TER is to transport 115, 000 passengers per day. In addition, it runs on electricity and thermal power. For a country that has suffered severe traffic congestions and high levels of pollution, an air-conditioned train that run seamlessly, with in-built Wi-Fi amidst other benefits, is a sure bet to a better transport system. With the advent of Regional Express, dust, pollution and congestion, all of them, will turn to things of the past.
