Algeria - General Information: Difference between revisions

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This page has been transferred to the Enthusiast's Guide to Travelling the Railways of the Rest of the World - see the relevant [https://www.egtrow.info/wiki/Algeria EGTROW page].
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==Country Name==
==Country Name==
Algeria (Algerie)
Algeria (Algerie)
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==Language==
==Language==
Arabic and French.
Arabic and French. The first language is Arabic, but French is widely spoken in major towns and cities. Away from the coast some Berber dialects are sometimes used.  


==Currency==
==Currency==
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[https://www.sntf.dz/index.php SNTF website front page].  
[https://www.sntf.dz/index.php SNTF website front page].  


A good official SNTF app with timetable and train type is available for android mobile phones
A good official [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=dz.sntf.cs&hl=en_GB&gl=US SNTF app] with timetable and train type is available for android mobile phones


===Downloadable Timetable===
===Downloadable Timetable===
There do not appear to be any downloadable SNTF timetables available on the main SNTF website. The [http://www.fahrplancenter.com/SNTFIndex.html Fahrplancenter] website does provide some timetable information, but it has not been updated recently.


 
[[Media:Algeria_-_SNTF_Timetables_Jan_2021.pdf | A PDF version of a timetable spreadsheet created by Jeff Hawken in December 2020 is available here.]]
[http://www.oncf.ma/InfosPratiques/Pages/Telechargement.aspx http://www.oncf.ma/InfosPratiques/Pages/Telechargement.aspx]. Note that the online version omits some useful notes which are in the printed version. The timetable may often continue out of the nominal date range until superseded.


===Printed Timetable===
===Printed Timetable===
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==Maps==
==Maps==
===Printed Maps==
===Printed Maps===
There is no currently available published map of Algerian Railways
There is no currently available published map of Algerian Railways


===Web-based Maps===
===Web-based Maps===
A system map is available on the [http://www.anesrif.dz/images/2017/10/05/carte-rseau-ferr-national.jpg ANESRIF website].


Note that this map includes all lines (passenger and freight) including those which are under construction but not yet opened for traffic, and projected lines. Refer to the map key carefully for details. The ANESRIF website also features maps for each individual project (see “Recent and Future Changes” section below).
Note that this map includes all lines (passenger and freight) including those which are under construction but not yet opened for traffic, and projected lines. Refer to the map key carefully for details. The ANESRIF website also features maps for each individual project (see “Recent and Future Changes” section below).
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The [http://www.seat61.com/Algeria.htm Seat61 website] ''> Travelling by train in Algeria'' gives useful information on travelling in Algeria.  
The [http://www.seat61.com/Algeria.htm Seat61 website] ''> Travelling by train in Algeria'' gives useful information on travelling in Algeria.  


==Gauge==
==Infrastructure==
Standard
===Infrastructure Authority===
Agence National d’Etudes et de Suivi de la Réalisation des Investissements Ferroviaires ([http://www.anesrif.dz/index.php/fr/ ANESRIF])
 
===Network Statement===
None
 
===Gauge===
Standard. Also 1055mm, which is being either converted to Standard or closed.
 
===Electrification===
25 kV 50 Hz AC.


==Electrification==
The Annaba – Tebessa line in the East of Algeria was originally electrified at 3000V DC for the transport of minerals from the regional mines to the port of Annaba. The locomotives purchased from Alsthom for this route in 1996 were 3000V DC but prepared for 25kV AC operation. It is unclear to what extent the re-electrification has proceeded to date.
3kV DC except for the Tanger - Kénitra high speed line, which is 25kV AC. All passenger lines are electrified except for the routes east of Fes to Oujda and Beni Nsar Port.


==Rule of the road==
===Rule of the road===
Left  
Left  


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==Metro==
==Metro==
None.
The Algiers Metro is operated by the [http://www.metroalger-dz.com/fr/ Entreprise Métro d'Alger] (EMA).
The first part opened in 2011. Two further lines are currently planned / under construction. Further metros are planned nationally – see links below.
 
The [http://www.urbanrail.net/af/alg/algiers.htm UrbanRail map]
 
The [http://www.metroalger-dz.com/fr/carte_projet.php EMA Map and List of Metro Projects] also includes cable cars.


==Trams==
==Trams==
* [http://www.tram-way.ma/fr/ Rabat – Salé]. Revenue earning services started on 23 May 2011.
Tram systems are operated by [https://www.setram.dz/site/fr/topologie-des-lignes SETRAM], with networks in Algiers, Constantine, Oran, Sidi Bel Abbès, Ouargla, and Sétif.
* [http://www.casatramway.ma/ Casablanca]. Revenue earning services started on 12 December 2012.


==Recent and future changes==
==Recent and future changes==
Morocco’s first high speed line, between Tanger and Kénitra and originally planned to open in December 2015, is due to be handed over for the start of trial running in June 2018, when the stations have been completed. Tracklaying was completed in October 2017 and the catenary in November 2017. The electrification system was energised at the beginning of January 2018 and the signalling commissioned in February 2018. This 200 route-km section is the first phase of the planned Tanger – Casablanca high speed line. The trains will then run on the upgraded line from Kenitra to Casablanca, and construction of a third, parallel track, for freight was announced along with the other upgrading plans in September 2012. Tanger Ville station was closed temporarily, possibly from 7 January 2015, for high speed line works and all services now terminate at Tanger Morora.
A thrice-weekly daytime service was reintroduced between Algiers and Annaba in early 2021, having been withdrawn in 2007.


A new railway line opened on 17 June 2009 between a triangle immediately south of Tanger Morora and the huge new port of Tanger Med. In early 2013 a sparse passenger service of 2 trains per day was scheduled on the branch as far as Ksar Sghir. Regular services between Tanger Ville and Tanger Med commenced on 15 June 2013.
Recent years have seen considerable investment in the extension, electrification, resignalling, double-tracking and modernisation of the Algerian rail network. New DMU / EMU rolling stock has been purchased for regional and inter-regional services. Ongoing projects include:
* [http://www.anesrif.dz/index.php/fr/life-styles/item/118-rocade-nord-et-ses-dessertes.html Rocade Nord]: Northern route and its connections: modernisation of the main East – West line traversing the coastal plain across the north of Algeria, 1250 km from Annaba to Akid Abbes, plus 572 km of connecting branches
* [http://www.anesrif.dz/index.php/fr/life-styles/item/126-rocade-des-hauts-plateaux.html High Plateaux Line]: New East – West line parallel to but far south of the Northern route, designed for 160 kph operation. 1160 km total length, 532km in operation, 628 km under construction. Links some 20% of the Algerian population.
* [http://www.anesrif.dz/index.php/fr/life-styles/item/131-ligne-miniere-est-588-km.html East Mineral Line]: Modernised and re-electrified North – South line (and branches) running broadly parallel with the Tunisian border from Annaba to Tebessa and Djebel Onk (388 km). Planned extension from Djebel Onk to El Oued (200 km).
* [http://www.anesrif.dz/index.php/fr/life-styles/item/133-penetrante-ouest.html Pénétrante Ouest]: The Oran – Bechar line opened in 2010 and is now being upgraded for higher line speeds (160 kph). An extension from Bechar to Tindouf and beyond is under examination.
* [http://www.anesrif.dz/index.php/fr/life-styles/item/136-penetrante-est-el-gourzi-hassi-messaoud.html: Pénétrante Est]: Modernisation of the (Constantine) – El Gourzi – Batna – Biskra – Touggourt line for 160 kph line speed, and extension to Hassi Messaoud Nouvelle Ville and Petroleum wells at 200 kph.
* [http://www.anesrif.dz/index.php/fr/life-styles/item/141-penetrante-centre.html Pénétrante Centre]: A new line is planned from Blida (the western end of the Algiers suburban network) due south to Kasr el Boukhari. From there due south to Laghouat via Djelfa (290 km) a new line is under construction with a line speed of 220 kph.
* [http://www.anesrif.dz/index.php/fr/life-styles/item/144-boucle-sud-est.html Boucle Sud Est]: 425 km of new lines planned for 220 kph linking Laghouat and Hassi Messaoud Nouvelle Ville via Ghardaia and Ouargla. Also Touggourt and Still via El Oued.
* [http://www.anesrif.dz/index.php/fr/life-styles/item/147-boucle-sud-ouest.html Boucle Sud Ouest]: 1500(!) km of new lines being planned. Bechar – Adrar – El Ménéa – Ain Salah / Ghardaia. Line speed 220 kph.


November 2012 saw the launch of the first phase of  a project to double the Settat to Marrakech line, build a new station at Benguerir,  and construct a 2 hectare ‘dry port’ at Sidi Ghanem on the outskirts of Marrakech.
==Special Notes==
The ISO code for Algeria is “dz” e.g. as a website suffix.  


In 2010 a new 27km cut-off  between Sidi Yahya El Gharb and Mechraa Bel Ksiri allowed trains from Casablanca to Tanger to avoid the longer route via Sidi Kacem.
Visas for Algeria are difficult to obtain, and require advance written confirmation of accommodation, and personal attendance at the Algerian Consulate of the passport holder’s home country. The [https://www.gov.uk/world/algeria FCO Travel Advice Website] contains much useful information about travel to Algeria. In certain areas there is a real risk of robbery or kidnap.  


The new railway from Taourirt to Beni Ksar Port was officially opened by King Mohammed VI on 10 July 2009, along with the two new stations at Nador, the major city on the line.
Algeria is divided into administrative districts known as Wilayas.  


==Special Notes==
Freight services operate from Algeria to Tunisia via the Souk Ahras – Ghardimaou border crossing. There are currently no cross-border passenger services as of December 2020. The border between Algeria and Morocco is closed – travellers should avoid the border area.
The line from Oujda to Maghnia in Algeria has been closed for political reasons for some years, so Morocco has no rail connections to other countries.
 
Beni Nsar Port station is only 150 m from the border with the Spanish enclave of Melilla, which has a ship connection to Almeria. Beni Nsar Port has ship connections to Almeria and Sete (France).
The main station at Algiers (Alger) is Agha, with the railway workshops one station further south at Les Ateliers. Long-distance trains may start from Agha in preference to the terminus at Alger, which is nowadays mostly served by suburban trains.
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[[Category:Non-European Countries]]

Latest revision as of 22:09, 17 February 2024

This page has been transferred to the Enthusiast's Guide to Travelling the Railways of the Rest of the World - see the relevant EGTROW page.

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