Zambia Railways Limited

Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) is a state-owned enterprise wholly owned by the Zambian government through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). Founded in 1982 and operating under the Railways Act of 1984, ZRL is mandated to provide passenger and freight rail services across Zambia.

Mission and Operations

ZRL’s mission is to offer efficient and reliable rail transport services to bolster Zambia’s economic growth. The railway extends from Mulobezi to Chililabombwe and Chipata to Mchinji, offering vital passenger and freight services.

Services and Connectivity: Passenger Services: Affordable transport connecting key towns and cities.

Freight Services: Transport of goods such as minerals, agricultural products, and industrial supplies.

Cross-Border Operations: Collaboration with neighbouring railway administrations connects ZRL to ports within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), providing import, export, and transit services.

Strategic Goals

ZRL aims to enhance its service offerings through strategic partnerships that provide comprehensive logistics solutions. It is dedicated to upgrading infrastructure and rolling stock to improve service quality and safety.

Challenges and Future Plans

Challenges: ZRL faces competition from road transport and requires significant investment in infrastructure upgrades.

Future Plans: In line with ZRL’s recently developed Strategic Business Plan (SBP) for the period 2024-2028, ZRL intends to modernise its rail network, including new infrastructure development, integrating new technologies, and improving regional connectivity. Additionally, ZRL aims to enhance customer experience, promote sustainable transport practices, and focus on employee development.