The 752 Kilometers long Addis-Djibouti railway line is officially inaugurated with the presence of Ethiopian Prime Minister, President of Djibouti and the Special delegation of the Chinese President led Chairman of China’s National Reform and Development Commission and other invited officials and individuals.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony today Prime Minister Hailemariam said that this railway line, which claimed 3.4 billion USD, is a historic accomplishment that shall transform the relation between Ethiopia, Djibouti and China and the transport service in Ethiopia to a new height.
The railway line shall contribute a lot for the country’s effort to boost the manufacturing sector, supply more of its products to the overseas market and reach a middle income level in the near future, he noted.
The railway is scheduled to complete its pilot service within 3 up to 6 months, get green light for service by the International Transport Association and officially commence service then after.
The line is the first of its kind in Africa as it provides service via electric power and is climate friendly, the PM noted. It not only connects people across the Ethio-Djibouti railway line, it also contributes its share to the integration of people in east Africa, he added.
The railway line shall also be an engine for the further growth of cities like Adama, Diredawa and Dewelle and others situated on the route to Djibouti, he underscored.
President of Djibouti, Ismael Oumar Gulle, on his part said as the people of the two countries are owners and users of the line, they should take responsibility for its protection and sustainable service.
This transport service is expected to highly facilitate the transportation of different imports via the Djibouti port as it has the capacity to transport 2,760 persons and 3,500 tons of cargo in a single journey.
This railway line is to be administered for the coming 6 years by two highly experienced companies of China. Ethiopian operators are to be trained in China in the meantime and takeover the whole administrative and operation tasks from their Chinese counterparts.