The 19-kilometre double-track rail line, including a new station, has commenced operations in Senegal. This development is part of the transport network designed to facilitate travel for visitors arriving in the country for the Youth Olympic Games, set to begin on October 31. The Regional Express Train section is now operational, allowing participants arriving at Blaise Diagne International Airport to travel directly by train to Diamniadio and then continue on to Dakar.
The opening ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including Senegal's Minister of Land and Air Transport, Serigne Abdoul Ahad Ndiaye, and the Minister of Infrastructure, Déthié Fall. Locally elected representatives and members of Parliament were also present at the event. According to Ibrahima Wade, coordinator of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee, around 30,000 people are accredited for the Games, with approximately 15,000 expected to come from abroad.
The new infrastructure includes signalling equipment and seven new dual-mode trains, which can operate on both electricity and diesel. With their addition, the TER fleet now comprises 22 trains. The trains will run every eight minutes on the Dakar-Diamniadio line, while services between Diamniadio and AIBD will operate every 24 minutes. The government had set a deadline of September 27 for the line to enter service as part of the preparations for the Games.
The completion of this project ensures that Dakar and its main international airport are directly connected by rail. Diamniadio, located about 30 kilometres from the capital, is a rapidly developing area that has become one of Senegal's major infrastructure hubs. The area is expected to play a significant role in facilitating the movement of athletes, delegations, officials, and visitors during the Games.
Beyond the public transport network, Dakar 2026 will have a dedicated mobility system for the Games, combining shuttle bus services with the TER. The network will connect competition venues, non-sporting facilities, and official hotels from October 23 to November 16. This mobility plan focuses on integrating different modes of transport to ensure connectivity between the three areas hosting the Games.
The Youth Olympic Games, scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 13, will be held in Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly. With thousands of athletes, delegations, officials, and visitors expected, transport and mobility will be a key part of the Olympic experience. The successful completion of the rail link is a significant milestone in the preparations for the Games.
The government's ability to deliver the project on schedule demonstrates its commitment to providing a seamless experience for visitors during the Games. The new rail link is expected to enhance the overall experience for participants and spectators alike, providing an efficient and convenient mode of transportation between the airport, Diamniadio, and Dakar.
Key points
- The new 19km rail link between Blaise Diagne International Airport and Diamniadio is now operational.
- The rail link is part of the transport network designed to facilitate travel for visitors arriving in Senegal for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
- The project was delivered on schedule, meeting the government's deadline of September 27.
