Sudan operates one of Africa’s oldest rail networks, managed by Sudan Railways Corporation (SRC), featuring extensive but aging infrastructure with significant rehabilitation needs and strategic importance for regional connectivity.
Network Overview
| Parameter | Statistics | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Track Length | 4,725 km | Nominal network |
| Operational Lines | 2,800 km | Active service |
| Track Gauge | 1,067 mm | Cape gauge |
| Electrified Lines | 0 km | Diesel operation |
| International Links | 2 | Egypt, Port Sudan |
Major Lines
Main Routes
| Route | Length (km) | Status | Usage | Speed (km/h) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khartoum-Port Sudan | 787 | Active | Main corridor | 60-80 |
| Khartoum-Wadi Halfa | 950 | Limited | Egypt link | 40-60 |
| Khartoum-Nyala | 1,100 | Partial | Western line | 40 |
| Atbara-Sennar | 460 | Active | Central line | 50-60 |
Technical Parameters
Track Infrastructure
| Parameter | Main Lines | Secondary | Branch Lines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Track Gauge | 1,067mm | 1,067mm | 1,067mm |
| Rail Profile | 80 lbs | 75 lbs | 60 lbs |
| Max Axle Load | 16.5t | 15t | 13.5t |
| Signaling | Basic | Manual | Basic |
Rolling Stock
Locomotive Fleet
| Type | Quantity | Manufacturer | Status | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GT26 | 25 | EMD | Mixed | Main line |
| DL500B | 15 | GE | Limited | Mixed traffic |
| DF8B | 10 | CRRC | Active | Main line |
| Shunters | 20 | Various | Mixed | Yards |
Passenger Cars
| Type | Quantity | Capacity | Status | Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Coach | 180 | 72 seats | Mixed | Regular |
| First Class | 45 | 54 seats | Limited | Express |
| Mixed Class | 120 | Various | Mixed | Local |
Operations
Passenger Services
| Service Type | Weekly Services | Annual Passengers | Punctuality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Line | 14 | 1.2M | 45% |
| Regional | 21 | 800K | 40% |
| Local | 35 | 600K | 35% |
Freight Traffic
| Commodity | Annual Volume (K tonnes) | Share | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural | 450 | 35% | Seasonal |
| Minerals | 350 | 27% | Stable |
| General Cargo | 300 | 23% | Variable |
| Fuel | 200 | 15% | Stable |
Infrastructure Development
Current Projects (2025-2027)
| Project | Budget (USD M) | Status | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Track Rehabilitation | 280 | Ongoing | 2027 |
| Rolling Stock Renewal | 150 | Planning | 2026 |
| Signaling Upgrade | 85 | Proposed | 2026 |
Future Plans (2027-2030)
| Project | Estimated Cost (USD M) | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port Sudan Link | 400 | Planning | Capacity increase |
| Western Extension | 300 | Concept | Regional connection |
| Station Modernization | 120 | Proposed | Major stations |
Environmental Initiatives
Sustainability Goals
| Initiative | Target | Timeline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Efficiency | +20% | 2030 | Planning |
| Water Conservation | +30% | 2028 | Initial |
| Desert Protection | Ongoing | 2027 | Active |
Economic Impact
Employment
| Sector | Direct Jobs | Indirect Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Operations | 12,000 | 36,000 |
| Maintenance | 4,000 | 12,000 |
| Administration | 2,000 | 6,000 |
Challenges & Solutions
Key Issues
| Challenge | Impact | Solution Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure Age | Critical | Phased rehabilitation |
| Desert Environment | High | Specialized maintenance |
| Technical Capacity | High | Training programs |
| Funding | Critical | International partnerships |
International Support
Development Partners
| Partner | Focus Area | Support Type |
|---|---|---|
| China | Infrastructure | Technical/Financial |
| World Bank | Rehabilitation | Loans |
| AfDB | Modernization | Grants/Technical |
| Arab Fund | Development | Financial |
Desert Operations
Adaptation Measures
| Aspect | Strategy | Implementation |
|---|---|---|
| Sand Protection | Barriers/Clearing | Ongoing |
| Heat Management | Track monitoring | Active |
| Water Resources | Conservation | Planning |
| Infrastructure | Desert-proof design | Developing |
