By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Freetown, Sierra Leone — Citizens across Sierra Leone are calling on the government and humanitarian organizations to reintroduce the national railway system, citing significant challenges in transportation and the potential benefits for the economy. Farmers, traders, and everyday commuters have expressed frustration with the difficulties of transporting goods, especially agricultural products, between provinces and to neighboring countries. Many believe that reviving the railway would address these issues, reduce road traffic accidents, and create jobs.
The Sierra Leone Railway, which operated from 1879 until its discontinuation in 1974, played a vital role in the country’s economy, with a network of 49 stations connected by 600 kilometers of track. The railway system, divided into three main lines, linked key locations including Freetown, Waterloo, Bo, and Magburaka. It was served by two main trains: ‘The Goods Train,’ which transported large consignments such as cocoa, coffee, and palm oil, and a Passenger Train that carried thousands of travelers daily.
Mohamed Jabbie, Senior Tour Manager at the Sierra Leone National Railway Museum, highlighted the historical and economic significance of the railway. “The railway once provided employment for over 9,000 youths and was crucial for transporting agricultural products from rural areas to urban centers,” Jabbie stated. He urged the government to consider the railway’s reintroduction, arguing that it would not only solve current transportation issues but also create job opportunities and reduce road accidents.
The appeal for the railway’s return is echoed by local traders like Mariama Kamara, who deals in cabbage and cassava. Kamara reported frequent losses due to vehicle breakdowns and spoilage during transportation. “I have never seen the train before, but I have heard of its effectiveness. We want our national trains back on track,” she said, expressing her support for the initiative.
Students are also enthusiastic about the prospect of experiencing rail travel. Abdulai S. Kamara, representing students from Prince of Wales School in Freetown, expressed their excitement. “We would be more than happy to see our train running again. We have heard of its greatness, and we want to feel these powerful machines,” he said.
The call for the railway’s revival gained further momentum during a Railway Exhibition launched on November 23, 2023, at Cline Town by the Sierra Leone National Railway Museum, with support from the UK-based Vintage Trains Charitable Trust. The exhibition featured photographs from the 1940s, showcasing the railway’s operations and its role during the Second World War, and emphasizing its importance before its closure amid the civil war.
Helen Ashby, Chair of the Friends of the Sierra Leone National Railway Museum in the UK, has been a strong advocate for the railway’s return. She highlighted the advantages of rail transport, including its safety and affordability compared to other land transportation options. Ashby called for financial resources and political commitment to restore the railway system, believing it would significantly improve the lives of Sierra Leoneans. “Bringing back the railway is the hope of many Sierra Leoneans. People, especially children, are asking why it closed and why it can’t be reopened like in other countries. But to bring it back, we will need money and political will,” she remarked.
As the debate continues, the public’s plea for the reintroduction of the national railway system is growing louder, with many seeing it as a crucial step towards improving transportation, boosting the economy, and preserving a significant part of Sierra Leone’s heritage.