The Dakar Regional Express Train, a railway linewhich links Dakar city center to Senegal’s Blaise Diagne International Airport, is expected to open its first phase by the end of this year. In the first phase of the project, a 36km line will connect the center of Dakar to the new development business city of Diamniadio, in just 35 minutes, crossing the entire outskirts of the capital.

The Dakar Regional Express Train project estimated at $2.4 billion, which began in 2016, is part of Senegal’s economic growth plan and intends to replace the Petit Train de Banlieue by providing services to the Dakar suburbs.
The first phase entailed upgrading the 36-kilometer-long existing line between Dakar and Diamniadio stations, while the second phase involves the construction of a new 19-kilometer-long railway line connecting Diamniadio station and the Blaise Diagne International Airport. This is expected to transport approximately 115,000 passengers daily, once fully operational.

When completed, the project will connect Dakar and Blaise Diagne International Airport in just 45 minutes via a 55-kilometer track that passes through 14 stations. The new railway line would also replace existing rail infrastructure and allow for the future construction of four additional tracks. There will be an electrified double-track for passengers and a metric freight track, as well as a maintenance and service track that can be converted into a fourth track in the coming years.

Senegal in recent years is investing massively in infrastructural projects across the country. In 2017, the country completed the construction of Blaise Diagne International Airport, which cost an estimated $688 million.
Other known project in the country is the 310 Mega Watts Taiba Ndiaye Wind farm, currently the largest wind farm in operation in West Africa. Famous R&B superstar Akon, is also building a futuristic Smart city in Senegal. The project is estimated to cost about $6 billion.