Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) Managing Director, Eng. […]

Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) Managing Director, Eng. Cuthbert Malindi, has announced plans to revitalize the 24-kilometre Chipata to Muchinji rail line, a critical connection between Zambia and the Nacala port in Mozambique.

Responding to a question from the Zambian Business Times (ZBT), on whether the company has plans to improve rail connectivity to major provinces such as Eastern Province, Zambia Railways Limited Managing Director Eng. Cuthbert Malindi explained that while expanding rail infrastructure is important, road and rail transport must coexist to serve different needs.

 In an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times (ZBT), Eng. Malindi addressed the company’s vision for enhancing rail connectivity to major provinces such as Eastern Province. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between road and rail transport, noting that both modes have distinct but complementary roles.

“There is a phrase we use called intermodal, road and rail transport are supposed to complement each other through co-existence. We cannot aim to connect every part of Zambia by rail, as roads are more suitable for last-mile delivery, while rail serves key bulk transport routes,” Malindi explained.

He highlighted ZRL’s ongoing infrastructure development projects, particularly on the Livingstone to Copperbelt corridor, where rail is essential for moving bulk cargo and facilitating inter-mine transport. However, he acknowledged the continued need for strong collaboration with the road sector, especially at dry-ports where goods are transferred between rail and road.

Malindi further revealed that ZRL is actively working with Nacala Logistics to repair and refurbish the Chipata–Muchinji rail line. The 24-kilometre link is seen as a vital step toward improving regional transport, even as plans to connect Chipata to Kapiri Mposhi remain on the horizon. “Revitalizing the Chipata– Muchinji line is a significant move forward, and we are partnering with Nacala Logistics to ensure the line is fully operational.

This will enhance the movement of cargo from Chipata to the Nacala port in Mozambique,” he stated. Eng. Malindi reiterated ZRL’s commitment to developing more dry-ports in Chipata, facilitating bulk transport and strengthening Zambia’s position as a regional trade hub through integrated road and rail networks.

Article by Justin Phiri