Mozambique Railways and the National Railways of Zimbabwe have signed agreements enabling CFM to operate its locomotives in Zimbabwe, enhancing freight movement efficiency and offering reliable services. The agreements focus on key rail corridors and commit both parties to necessary operational provisions. This follows a previous deal with South Africa’s Transnet Freight Rail, indicating a trend toward improved regional rail cooperation.
Mozambique Railways (CFM) and the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) have established a significant collaboration through the signing of agreements that enable CFM to operate locomotives in Zimbabwe. This partnership is designed to enhance the freight movement efficiency between the two countries, offering businesses a more reliable and economical rail service.
The ceremonial signing took place in Maputo, attended by key figures such as CFM Chairman, Agostinho Langa Júnior, and NRZ General Manager, Ainah Dube-Kaguru, among others. The operational agreements focus on critical rail corridors including the Southern Corridor, covering the 148-kilometre route from Chicualacuala to Rutenga, and the Central Corridor, a stretch of 84 kilometres between Machipanda and Nyazura.
As part of the agreements, CFM will provide locomotives, operational staff, fuel, and other necessary consumables to facilitate a minimum of two daily round-trips. In exchange, NRZ is responsible for ensuring sufficient cargo volumes and maintaining the infrastructure to guarantee safe operations for CFM’s locomotives on the railway network.
This initiative follows CFM’s earlier agreement with South Africa’s Transnet Freight Rail, signed in April 2023, which allows for the uninterrupted operation of trains at the border, thereby significantly reducing transit times and enhancing overall efficiency. The first implementation phase led to a noteworthy 23% increase in magnetite exports, with the agreement subsequently expanded to include chrome and ferrochrome exports, allowing for three operational trains daily.
The recent rail agreements between Mozambique Railways and the National Railways of Zimbabwe mark a pivotal step in enhancing trade efficiency between the two nations. By enabling the operation of CFM locomotives in Zimbabwe, the collaboration aims to facilitate more reliable and cost-effective freight services, contributing positively to regional trade dynamics. The successful implementation may also serve as a model for future cross-border cooperation.
Original Source: www.freightnews.co.za
