Mozambique Railways and the National Railways of Zimbabwe signed agreements allowing CFM to operate in Zimbabwe, enhancing freight services. The partnership targets key rail corridors and involves CFM providing locomotives and operational support while NRZ commits to cargo provision and infrastructure maintenance. This follows CFM’s prior agreement with South Africa’s Transnet, which improved efficiency and increased export volumes.
Mozambique Railways (CFM) and the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) have established a significant partnership that enables CFM to operate its locomotives within Zimbabwe. This collaboration is designed to enhance the efficiency of freight transportation between the two countries, offering businesses a more reliable and financially viable rail service.
The signing ceremony took place in Maputo and was attended by notable officials such as CFM Chairman Agostinho Langa Júnior, CFM Executive Director Cândido Jone, NRZ Chairman Michael Madiro, and NRZ General Manager Ainah Dube-Kaguru. The newly formed agreements specifically cover vital rail corridors that connect Mozambique and Zimbabwe, including the Southern Corridor, which encompasses a 148-kilometre route, and the Central Corridor, measuring 84 kilometres.
According to the agreements, CFM is responsible for providing operational locomotives in suitable condition, personnel to operate its trains on the designated routes, as well as the necessary fuel and supplies for at least two daily round-trips. Conversely, NRZ will ensure sufficient cargo is available for transport and maintain the railway infrastructure to support the safe operation of CFM’s locomotives.
This recent agreement comes after a similar collaboration between CFM and South Africa’s Transnet Freight Rail, initiated in April 2023, facilitating cross-border operations without the need for locomotive changes at the border. This arrangement has effectively reduced freight transit times and enhanced overall operational efficiency, resulting in a 23% increase in magnetite export volumes during its first phase.
Subsequently, the collaboration has been enlarged to accommodate chrome and ferrochrome exports and has instituted the operation of three trains daily, further cementing the partnership and augmenting export capabilities.
The agreements between Mozambique Railways and the National Railways of Zimbabwe mark a significant step towards enhancing rail freight services between the two nations. By allowing CFM to operate its locomotives in Zimbabwe, the partnership is expected to improve transportation reliability, reduce costs, and boost export volumes. This collaboration reflects ongoing efforts to streamline cross-border rail operations and foster economic growth in the region.
Original Source: www.freightnews.co.za
