The Office national des transports (ONATRA) is pushing forward with its project to revive railway freight transport from Matadi in Kongo-Central. A new milestone was reached on November 3, 2026, with the arrival of a rail-laying machine in the port city. This machine is expected to accelerate the rehabilitation of the railway line. The goal is to transport some containers by train to the Kenge dry port, about 30 kilometers from Matadi, to ease congestion in Matadi and on National Route 1 (RN1).
According to the provincial ONATRA management, the ongoing works are part of a broader program to modernize railway infrastructure linking the Matadi port to key logistics centers in western DR Congo. The rail-laying machine will help speed up rehabilitation of the most degraded sections of the railway network. The project involves transporting containers from Matadi's MGT port to Kenge dry port by train. Jean-Claude Ngoma Moussa, deputy director of railways at Matadi, stated that this operation requires replacing rails and rehabilitating several structures along the route.
The railway line rehabilitation project includes replacing rails and constructing new structures to ensure safe train circulation between Matadi's MGT port, Matadi station, and Kenge dry port. Once goods arrive at Kenge, they will be redistributed to Kinshasa and other destinations by road. ONATRA expects this solution to significantly reduce the number of heavy trucks in Matadi and on RN1. Ngoma Moussa emphasized that vehicles will collect goods from Kenge and transport them to Kinshasa, reducing the number of vehicles accessing Matadi.
Project officials believe that reviving railway traffic will improve freight transport fluidity, reduce pressure on the road network, and enhance commercial exchanges between Matadi port, Kinshasa, and the country's interior. ONATRA is pursuing railway rehabilitation works, considered a crucial link in the logistics chain in western DR Congo. The project aims to alleviate congestion and promote efficient transportation of goods.
The railway rehabilitation project is expected to have a positive impact on the region's economy and transportation network. By reducing the number of heavy trucks on RN1, the project will also contribute to improved road safety and reduced traffic congestion. Furthermore, the project will create new opportunities for businesses and traders in the region.
ONATRA's efforts to revive railway traffic between Matadi and Kinshasa are ongoing, with the organization working to complete the rehabilitation works. The project is seen as a key component of DR Congo's strategy to modernize its transportation infrastructure and promote economic growth. Once completed, the railway line is expected to play a vital role in the country's logistics and transportation network.
The successful implementation of this project will serve as a model for future transportation development in DR Congo. It will demonstrate the potential of railway transportation to transform the country's economy and improve the quality of life for its citizens. With the continued support of stakeholders and investors, ONATRA is poised to make a significant impact on the region's transportation landscape.
Key points
- DR Congo's ONATRA is rehabilitating a 30-kilometer railway line between Matadi and Kenge to reduce heavy traffic on RN1.
