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The train that crosses the Sahara desert: Check out all the details of the long journey on the Mauritanian railway and why China is creating a megaproject measuring more than 6 thousand km in this place.
Railway with more than 6 thousand km: With unbearable heat and dry desert winds that bring dust storms capable of burying an entire caravan, this is the Sahara. Deep in the heart of these desolate, lunar-like landscapes, a solitary train line runs through the hostile terrain. Railway with more than 6 thousand km Mauritania is one of the most extreme routes in the world, similar to a post-apocalyptic road straight out of “Mad Max”. Let’s explore this fascinating journey and understand why because AFRICA hides a US$10 million project from the WORLD.
Mauritania and its railway with more than 6 thousand km long that could change everything
Mauritania is a developing Islamic country in West Africa with a low standard of living. In 1963, mining companies established a unique railway route to connect the iron mines in Zouérat to the port of Nouadhibou. A iron ore mining in Mauritania was never particularly profitable until the advent of this railway, which made it possible to transport valuable minerals across the desert to the Atlantic for export.
Since 1963, this narrow gauge railway has contributed significantly to Mauritania's GDP. In 1974, both the mines and the railway were nationalized and transferred to SNIM (Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière).
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Today, the mining industry plays a crucial role in the West African economy, with annual cargo traffic of around 15,6 million tonnes of iron ore for export.
China's ambitious plan to build railway tracks in Africa
China is planning an ambitious railway infrastructure venture in Africa, involving the construction of more than 6.000 kilometers of train tracks. This project is part of the Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to strengthen trade and investment relations between China and African countries.
The project seeks not only to improve connectivity between African nations, but also to facilitate the transport of goods and people, boosting regional economic development. The new railway lines are expected to connect important economic centers, ports and agricultural regions, promoting intra-African and global trade.
Expected benefits
- Economic growth: The improvement in transport infrastructure It is crucial for economic growth, allowing the efficient flow of agricultural and mineral products.
- Job Generation: The construction and maintenance of railway lines is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
- Regional Integration: The new lines will facilitate the integration of African markets, making them more competitive and attractive for foreign investment.
The extreme route of the railway
The Mauritanian railway crosses the desert for 704 km, with trains that can extend for more than 2 km. Three to four locomotives pull up to 250 open freight cars, each carrying more than 80 tons of iron ore, totaling around 16 tons per trip. This challenging operation requires careful maneuvering to overcome climbs and maintain the train on descents.
This “ship of the desert” is the longest and slowest train in the world. It drags the tracks at speeds below 50 km/h, with trips that can last more than 20 hours and sometimes even a few days. In addition to transporting iron ore, the train delivers tanks of water to villages where water is as precious as gold.
The railway not only sustains Mauritania's economy, but also supports local communities. Bedouins and residents of remote villages depend on the train to receive supplies and provisions. Many Bedouins settled along the tracks to work in railway maintenance and monitor the tracks. A specialized wire system is used to maintain the tracks, but due to sandstorms, human intervention is essential to clear dust and sand from the sensors.
A tradition of solidarity
A peculiar tradition persists along the railway: the driver's assistant from the train throws pieces of bread out the window at the approaching Bedouins. This custom, which no one knows exactly when it began, is an important source of food for the indigenous populations of the desert.
Traveling on the Mauritanian train is a real adventure. Open freight cars, mainly used to transport iron ore, are also used by Bedouins and other passengers who prefer to travel for free despite the danger. There are few passenger cars, which are dilapidated and without electricity, offering only a minimum of comfort.
For those who don't want to spend money on a ticket, traveling in freight cars is risky and uncomfortable. The journey can be long and full of setbacks, with the train making frequent stops and experiencing delays.
Challenging travel conditions
Passengers face extreme conditions during the journey. During the day, the temperature can reach 40 degrees Celsius, while at night it can get considerably colder, with frost in winter. Desert dust covers everything, and the journey is marked by jolts and collisions between the carriages.
Despite the difficulties, the railway is a national pride for Mauritania. It is vital to the economy and livelihood of local communities. Even depicted on the local currency, Mauritania’s railway is a symbol of resilience and perseverance.
A Mauritania's railway is one of the most extreme and dangerous railway routes in the worldo, feeling more like a desert survival challenge than a normal train journey. However, it represents a vital link to Mauritania's economy and communities, as well as offering a unique and unforgettable experience for adventurers willing to brave its hardships.
The Chinese are desertifying their country. If you tell me that this could be the beginning of the end of the Sahara or at least part of it, I believe it.