John Kelly Marah
The Railway Authority has outlined its vision to transform Sierra Leone’s transportation sector through an ambitious program that seeks to develop, regulate, and coordinate railway and cable car systems across the country.
Speaking during the 2026 Budget proposal at the ministry of finance conference Hall in the 24 September 2025, the Director General of Sierra Leone Railway Development and Regulatory Authority, Ing. Dr Forde stated that its dual mandate is not just to build physical infrastructure but also to regulate operations once the systems are functional.
Officials emphasized that the first key mandate focuses on developing and regulating both railway and cable car transport nationwide. They highlighted ongoing collaboration with the Three Towns City Council, which is currently working on cable car infrastructure projects. Once completed, the Authority will oversee regulatory measures to ensure safety and efficiency in operations. The second mandate centers on monitoring and coordinating activities within the railway and cable car sectors to guarantee smooth, reliable, and integrated transport systems that meet national and regional needs.
According to the Director General of the Sierra Leone Railway Development and Regulatory Authority, Ing. Dr. Albert Forde, “Our vision is to build a modern transport system that supports agriculture, mining, trade, tourism, and urban mobility. This is not just about laying tracks and building cable lines; it is about ensuring safe, efficient, and affordable transport that will unlock Sierra Leone’s economic potential and improve the lives of our people.”
The Railway Authority envisions a future where railway infrastructure becomes a viable transport alternative, with agriculture, mining, trade, tourism, and urban passenger transport as key growth pillars. Agriculture was highlighted as a priority, as a functioning railway would make it easier and cheaper for farmers to transport produce from rural farms to markets, aligning with the government’s “Feed Salone” flagship program. By reducing transportation costs, farmers would retain more value from their harvests, improve profitability, and strengthen food security.
Mining is another key focus area. Sierra Leone already has a functional railway line operated by Kingo Rail and Port for bulk mineral transport. Expanding and integrating the national railway network would further enhance the movement of minerals and reduce logistical costs for mining companies, making the sector more competitive and contributing to national revenue.
Trade integration was also underscored as a major benefit of the railway project. The Authority referenced the ECOWAS Railway Master Plan, noting that Sierra Leone’s railway system must eventually connect with neighbouring countries like Guinea and Liberia to create seamless sub regional trade corridors. This would allow cargo and freight to move from Freetown to Conakry and Monrovia efficiently, boosting Sierra Leone’s position as a trade hub.
Tourism and passenger transport represent additional opportunities. The Authority noted that railway connectivity could make eco-tourism destinations like the Gola Forest more accessible, unlocking their potential as major attractions. They also proposed exploring a light rail commuter system for urban transport, which would carry passengers at lower speeds but provide an affordable and efficient solution for busy corridors. A light rail line from Waterloo through the Freetown Peninsula to Romney was mentioned as a feasible future project, with land availability making it a viable option to include in the national master plan.
In providing historical context, the Railway Authority reminded participants that Sierra Leone once had a vibrant colonial-era railway network connecting Freetown to Pendembu in the east and extending to Kamabai in the north. The line from Palm Mines to the Port of Pepel, used primarily for mining operations by Delco in the 1960s, was another key route. Although many of these lines are now defunct, remnants of the infrastructure remain visible in certain areas, including rail lines near Bo and Baoma.
The Authority is committed to conducting comprehensive feasibility studies to determine the most economically and socially viable routes for the new network. These studies will consider current demographic and economic shifts that may require adjustments to the colonial-era routes.
The proposed railway and cable car expansion is positioned as a catalyst for economic growth, improved mobility, and regional integration, with the potential to reshape how Sierra Leoneans connect, trade, and travel.
Would you like me to also add a second quote from Dr. Forde, perhaps touching on Sierra Leone’s readiness to align with the ECOWAS Railway Master Plan for regional trade corridors? That would give the story more depth and a regional angle.
