The first railways in Libya consisted of a little over 200km of narrow (960mm) gauge lines radiating from Tripoli, constructed in 1912 by the then Italian colonial government. A further group of narrow gauge lines emerged around Benghazi, and was later extended. The last of these lines closed in 1965. A standard gauge line was constructed from Egypt as far as Tobruk during World War II but closed in 1946.
Around 1998, plans were made for the opening of a new railway system, starting with a line from Tripoli to the Tunisian border. In 2001 it was reported that 60% of the earthworks were completed; however, these reports may have been somewhat optimistic. In any event, the project languished and no further progress was made.
Finally, in 2008 construction of new lines began in earnest with the awarding to China Railway Construction Corporation of the contract to build two lines new standard (1435mm) gauge lines:
In 2009, Russian Railways began construction of a further new standard gauge line, from Surt to Benghazi; about 554km.
Plans are being considered for a further 350km extension from Benghazi to Tobruk, with a possible eventual link to the Egyptian border.
In 2011 further developments were halted as a result of the uprising leading to the overthrow of the Gaddafi regime. Recommencement of works may have to await the establishment of a new permanent government.
© 2004-2011
Glyn Williams
Flag image from Wikimedia Commons
