Mixed fleet including newly delivered diesel-electric locomotives (4 new passenger locomotives introduced Q1 2026; 10 Indian-built locomotives delivered September 2025–early 2026 as part of fleet renewal programme)
Locomotive Weight
Varies by locomotive class
Track Gauge
1,067 mm (Cape gauge)
Braking Technology
Air brake system (standard for Cape gauge operations)
Route Engineering Challenges
Single-track operation with passing loops
Remote rural maintenance across 533km Nampula–Cuamba section
Seasonal flooding risk on low-lying sections
Co-existence with heavy coal freight operations on shared corridor
Branch line to Lichinga (262km) adds operational complexity
Upcoming private operator liberalisation of Mozambique's railway network
Line
Nacala Corridor northern branch
Nacala–Cuamba distance
533 km
Total corridor length
912 km (Nacala port to Moatize)
Branch to Lichinga
262 km from Cuamba
Annual passengers (2025 baseline)
~1.246 million (34 carriages, ~20 trips/week)
Q1 2026 passengers
151,400 (+95% year-on-year)
2026 projected annual
~631,000+ (forecast)
Status
Operational — fleet modernisation in progress
Service resumed
October 2023 (after 30+ year suspension)
Ticketing
Electronic ticketing introduced 2021
Co-existence
Shares corridor with coal freight operations
Fleet investment
€190M programme through 2030: 30+ coaches, 250 freight wagons, 10 Indian locomotives (delivery from Sep 2025)
New operators
Railway liberalisation opening network to private operators (2026)