SNCFT Modern Developments

SNCFT Modern Developments

In 2004, a new section of line opened from Kalaa Seghira to M'Saaken, enabling through Tunis - Sfax services to avoid Sousse town centre. Until that year, all services passing through Sousse had to pass through the streets and along the seafront at low speed. Most of the Tunis - Sfax route was double-tracked at this time, enabling faster and more-punctual services to operate.

Discussions are underway between Libya and Tunisia about a 150 km standard gauge link from Ras Ajdir on the Libyan border to Gabès. Libya is building a coastal network planned to extend eventually to Egypt that currently terminates at Ras Ajdir. Containers could be transferred to the metre gauge at Gabès at an exchange yard. Standard gauge access to the current Gabès terminus station could be had at the coastal curve 2 km east of the terminus.

SNCFT Timeline

• 2008 - Agreement with Libya for link line.
• 2012 - Electrification of the Tunis - Borj Cedria railway line and the launch of several Hyundai Rotem modern electrical trains.

SNCFT Proposed Lines

• Gabès
• Medenine
• Ras Ajdir border station with Libya and the Libyan Coast Line (construction launched in 2008, suspended since the Arab Spring)

Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Tunisiens Overview

SNCFT Founded: 27 December 1957
SNCFT Headquarters: Tunisia