The Tunisian National Railway Company announced on Saturday, October 31, 2026, that it had successfully retrieved a locomotive that was stuck in one of the tunnels on railway line 15, which connects the towns of Mettlouy and Thalagha in the Gafsa governorate. The locomotive had been stuck since September due to flooding in the mining basin area, which damaged the railway infrastructure.
The flooding in September had caused significant disruptions to the railway line, with the locomotive getting stuck inside the tunnel. The Tunisian National Railway Company worked in coordination with other companies, including Fosfate de Gafsa and railway works companies, to retrieve the locomotive. The operation involved reconfiguring part of the railway track between the tunnel and Thalagha station.
The successful retrieval of the locomotive was made possible through the combined efforts of the companies involved. The operation was carried out by re-establishing part of the railway track between the tunnel and Thalagha station, allowing the locomotive to be safely removed. This development is expected to help restore normal operations on the railway line.
Railway line 15, which connects Mettlouy and Thalagha, is an important transportation route in the region. The line has been affected by the recent flooding, which caused damage to the infrastructure. The retrieval of the locomotive marks a significant step towards restoring the line to full operation.
The Tunisian National Railway Company has been working to restore operations on the railway line, which is crucial for the transportation of goods and passengers in the region. The company's efforts to retrieve the stuck locomotive were successful, and it is expected that the line will be fully operational soon.
In addition to the retrieval of the locomotive, other developments have been taking place in the region. A one-day surgical day was held at the regional hospital in Qebli to perform delicate operations for patients with cataracts. Furthermore, 47 renewable energy projects with a total capacity of 64 megawatts were approved in Gafsa.
The regional hospital in Qebli recently held a one-day surgical day to perform cataract operations. This initiative is part of the ongoing efforts to improve healthcare services in the region. Meanwhile, the approval of 47 renewable energy projects in Gafsa highlights the region's focus on sustainable energy solutions.
Key points
- Tunisian National Railway Company retrieves locomotive stuck in tunnel on railway line 15.
- Flooding in September damaged railway infrastructure, causing locomotive to get stuck.
- Retrieval of locomotive marks significant step towards restoring railway line to full operation.
