Online Reporter
Business Reporter
Zimbabwe is planning a significant transformation of its rail infrastructure under a US$3 billion development and upgrade programme during the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) implementation period, 2026 to 2030.
According to the NDS2 policy document, Zimbabwe’s medium-term economic blueprint, the projects would be funded under public-private partnerships (PPPs) and debt finance.
The largest planned investments include the upgrade of the Mutare–Harare–Chirundu rail line and the 217-kilometre new railway line linking Lion’s Den in Zimbabwe to Kafue in Zambia, at an estimated US$1,2 billion between 2027 and 2030, according to the NDS2.
Zimbabwe’s planned rail system investments during NDS2 are designed to strengthen SADC interconnectivity and improve north-south trade.
A new industrial service line, connecting the Manhize iron and steel plant with markets, is estimated to cost US$550 million, with completion targeted by 2030 under a PPP arrangement.
Another massive project is the planned rehabilitation of 1 700 kilometres of track, including resleepering, ballasting, tamping, and turnout replacement along key export–import corridors, at an estimated cost of US$480 million, which will be rolled out from 2026 to 2030 and funded by the Government, Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF) and PPPs.
“It is expected to achieve a 30 percent increase in train speed,” the blueprint says.
The purchase of 30 mainline locomotives to increase haulage capacity to over 6,7 million tonnes per year is expected to cost US$210 million and the project will be implemented between 2026 and 2029.
An estimated US$120 million has been set aside for procuring 841 new wagons and refurbishing 1 000 wagons between 2026 and 2030 to boost freight throughput and ease road congestion.
Installation of an entry-level train control and automation system over 1 000 km of track is budgeted for US$150 million from 2026 to 2029, with an additional US$30 million for completing the laying of the 735 km fibre optic network backbone over 2026–2028.
Rehabilitation of 60 bridges and culverts to enhance line safety is budgeted for at an estimated US$60 million.
A dedicated US$25 million project over 2027–2030 will refurbish 50 passenger coaches, with air-conditioning and Wi-Fi and procure modern Diesel Multiple Units to enhance passenger comfort.
