The electric-powered Ethio-Djibouti railway has started a regular trail service today.
The train which departed from Furi-Lebu, Addis Ababa, to Dire Dawa today can travel at 120 kilometers per hour.
The railway line with state-of-art technology is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing the import-export of Ethiopia, Ethiopian Railway Corporation Chief Executive Officer Dr. Getachew Betru said.
According to him, the railway will contribute to advancing integration between the two countries and further enhance bilateral economic ties.
Ethiopia started trial service in October 2016 by transporting relief food aid from Djibouti to Ethiopia.
The electrified railway line that links Addis Ababa with port of Djibouti provides Ethiopia with railroad access to the sea. More than 95 percent of Ethiopia's foreign trade transaction passes through Djibouti.
The standard-gauge railway executed by China Railway Group and the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, replaces the former Ethio-Djibouti line that was powered by coal and diesel which was built by French companies between 1894 and 1917. (ENA)