Rail transport in Madagascar


Rail transport in Madagascar is primarily operated by Madarail,
The northern railway is currently concessioned to Madarail. The southern line, Fianarantsoa-Côte-Est railway, is a parastatal line.

History

Construction started in 1901 on the Madagascar Railway from Tananarive to Ambatolampy. The full line was completed from Tananarive to Antsirabé in 1923.

Overview

There is a regular goods traffic between the port city of Toamasina and the capital city of Antananarivo. There are daily passenger trains on the Madarail system. Very occasionally there are special chartered trips on restored Micheline railcars for tourists. The southern line has a regular daily passenger train, which provides a slow but picturesque alternative to the recently rehabilitated road in the region.
total:
metre gauge:
gauge
There are two unconnected systems.
After the Proposed Extension of Madagascar Railway operated by Madarail up to Antsiranana, Nosy Bay Andoany & Andapa in the North, up to Mahajanga & Maintirano in the West, up to Morondova, Morombe, Toliara & Tolanaro in South, the Total Length of the Railway System will increase to connecting all of Madagascar.

Interfaces

There are two unconnected systems having a total length of. Talks are going for extending Madagascar Railway operated by Madarail. The Malagasy Government have signed a pact with Indian Railways & South African Railways to extend their railway services up to Antsiranana, Antalaha & Andapa in the north, up to Mahajanga & Maintirano in the west. Again southwest, south & southeastern extension of Fianarantsoa - Manakara Railway Line up to Morondova, Morombe, Toliara & Tolanaro is being planned. After extension, the length of the Madagascar Railway operated by Madarail will stand at connecting all of Madagascar.