Bulawayo, (New Ziana)- The full reopening of the Limpopo railway line linking Mozambique with Zimbabwe and Botswana has raised hopes for improved regional trade and cargo movement following months of disruption caused by severe flooding that damaged key rail infrastructure.
According to the Mozambique Ports and Railways executive director Emidio Bata, the restoration of the strategic rail corridor marked a major milestone for regional connectivity and economic activity after extensive rehabilitation works on damaged railway infrastructure.
“Following the successful completion of extension rehabilitation and restoration works on the railway line infrastructure, full operational clearance has been granted for the Limpopo railway line along its entire length effective May 1, 2026,” the executive director said in a public notice on Thursday.
He said rail traffic had now been fully reinstated for both passenger and freight services covering the routes from Maputo to Chicualacuala, connecting Zimbabwe and Botswana corridors, as well as the Maputo-Xinavane route.
“The milestone marks the conclusion of a period of service interruption necessitated by severe flooding and inundation that significantly affected the region and compromised the integrity of the railway line structure. Through coordinated technical efforts and operational commitment, normal service conditions have been restored,” Batá said.
The reopening is expected to ease pressure on regional logistics chains after the corridor was closed in mid-January due to heavy flood damage in Mozambique, halting the movement of goods between the Port of Maputo and countries in the region including Zimbabwe and Botswana.
Bata expressed appreciation to customers, communities and stakeholders for their patience during the rehabilitation period.
“We express sincere appreciation to all customers, partners and the general public for their understanding, patience and cooperation throughout the period of disruption,” he said.
He also acknowledged the contribution of several institutions and communities that assisted in the restoration exercise.
Meanwhile, the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has also announced that traffic has resumed moving on the Chicualacuala-Maputo corridor.
“NRZ would like to thank its customers for their understanding during the time the line was closed,” it said.
The railway line is regarded as a critical trade artery for Southern Africa, facilitating the movement of minerals, fuel, agricultural produce and other cargo between inland countries and the Indian Ocean port of Maputo.
New Ziana
