The Western Mining Railway of Algeria, the first railway in Africa for transporting heavy cargo across the desert, has been opened for operation. This will improve Algeria's national railway network and contribute to the development of transportation links and the economy in the country's southwestern regions.

The President of Algeria, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, officially announced the commencement of railway operations at a ceremony held on Sunday in the Béchar province in the southwest of the country, The Caspian Post reports, citing foreign media.

The 950 km long railway, of which 575 km were constructed by the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) and Algerian state companies, is the largest infrastructure project undertaken by a Chinese company in Algeria.

Over 8,000 Chinese and Algerian workers completed the project in 24 months under the challenging conditions of the Sahara Desert, achieving significant successes and setting new records in local railway construction.

According to local media, the railway will be able to transport 50 million tons of iron ore annually and meet passenger transportation needs, providing convenience for residents along the route.