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July 2025 — Tripoli, Libya
Libyan Railways has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to explore the resumption of construction on Libya’s long-stalled national railway network.
Strategic Infrastructure Revival
The agreement, signed during a recent meeting in Beijing, marks a potential turning point for Libya’s transport infrastructure. Originally launched in 2008, the railway project aimed to develop over 1,400 km of track across three major corridors. Construction was halted in 2011 following the outbreak of civil conflict and the fall of the Gaddafi regime.
Planned Network and Technical Scope
The proposed network includes:
- East–West Coastal Line: A double-track, standard-gauge, electrified line designed for speeds up to 250 km/h.
- North–South Line: An 800 km route from Misrata to Libya’s southern borders with Chad and Niger, designed for 120 km/h operation with future electrification potential.
Under the MoU, CCECC will resume work on the masterplan, establish working groups to address legal, financial, and technical challenges, and review final designs to enable construction restart. No financial assistance is being provided by CCECC at this stage.
Regional Connectivity and Economic Goals
Libyan Railways is also evaluating cross-border extensions to landlocked sub-Saharan countries, positioning Libya as a strategic freight corridor linking Africa to the European Union via the Mediterranean.
Additional Partnerships
Talks have also been held with Russian Railways (RZD) regarding the possible revival of the 551 km Surt–Benghazi line, originally contracted in 2008 but similarly suspended due to conflict.
