**on and its partners mobilize an additional USD 227 million for the rehabilitation of the rail network

Creation Date: 08 July 2021 4:35 PM

(Ecofin Agency) - Since 2015, **on's rail network continues to undergo its transformation. Further work should complement the initial project to bring the infrastructure more in line with international standards.

The **onese government and the Transgabonais operating company (Setrag) will make additional contributions, respectively up to 42 billion FCFA ($ 75.6 million) and 84 billion FCFA for the continuation of work to bring the network up to standard. gill rail of the country.

Amendment n ° 2 relating to the second phase of the project called PRN (Program to upgrade the railway line) was signed on Friday, June 25, by the CEO of Setrag Christian Magni and several **onese ministers involved in the project: those of Economy, Nicole Roboty, Budget, Sosthène Ossoungou Ndibangoye, as well as Transport, Brice Paillat

Led by the subsidiary of the French group Eramet, the work targeted in this second phase involves the gradual replacement of the old 50 kg / m rails by those of 60 kg / m with more thickness. The new rails can support "up to 29 tonnes on the axle, against 25 tonnes for the current rails" . The new architecture envisaged being " in line with the challenges of strengthening rail safety and the plan to increase freight transport capacities". The modernization of several stations will also be taken into account in this phase.

Operational since 1986, the **onese rail network (648 km linking Franceville to Libreville) has been undergoing a vast modernization program since 2015. Phase 1 of the project, covered by an initial investment estimated at FCFA 207 billion ($ 372 million), supported in part by the French Development Agency (AFD), involved, among other things, the replacement of old wooden sleepers with concrete for double the lifespan: 50 years against 25 years maximum for wooden sleepers.

To date, nearly 150 km of tracks have already been renovated. This amendment n ° 2 will undoubtedly give a boost to this program to be delivered in 2024 and which aims to double the transport capacity of the Transgabonais. The network currently handles 330,000 travelers per year and has transported 6 million tonnes of goods and ore (in 2019).

https://www.agenceecofin.com/gestion-publique/0807-89922-le-**on-et-ses-partenaires-mobilisent-227-millions-usd-supplementaires-pour-la-rehabilitation-du-reseau-ferre