In a significant milestone for Ethiopia’s railway sector, engineers at the Ethiopian Railway Corporation (EDR) have successfully restored and repaired the country’s locomotive and wagon fleet. This marks the first time in EDR’s history that Ethiopian engineers have independently carried out such an extensive maintenance operation, reducing reliance on foreign expertise.
Speaking on the achievement, EDR CEO Takele Uma stated, “Ethiopian railway engineers are truly inspiring; they have made the impossible possible. For the first time in EDR operations history, Ethiopian railway engineers have successfully maintained and repaired the entire railway locomotive and wagon fleet. The learning curve has been steep, but Ethiopians have made it possible.”
The project, completed within just four months, focused on rehabilitating locomotives and wagons that had remained out of service for six years due to mechanical failures and lack of spare parts. Engineers successfully repaired and replaced over 16 locomotives and more than 200 wagons, increasing the operational locomotive fleet from 9 to 25 and expanding the number of functional wagons from 789 to 978.
This development is expected to have a major impact on Ethiopia’s logistics sector, particularly in freight and cargo transportation. The increased rail capacity will support the movement of goods more efficiently across the country and beyond, reducing transport costs and easing the burden on road networks. The railway plays a vital role in connecting Ethiopia’s industrial parks, agricultural hubs, and ports, facilitating trade and economic growth.
Takele Uma emphasized the broader significance of this achievement, stating, “This is a pivotal moment for our railway and marks new trajectories as we unveil fresh opportunities in the logistics sector.”
With the successful completion of this maintenance project, EDR is now exploring further railway expansions, enhanced maintenance programs, and potential partnerships to strengthen its operational efficiency. The initiative signals a step toward greater self-reliance in railway management and infrastructure development, positioning Ethiopia to leverage its railway system for long-term economic growth.
