Firm pledges to expediteNsanje railway project

Malawi Railways 1994 Limited has pledged to expedite the construction of the 72-kilometre (km) Marka-Bangula Railway line in Nsanje which stalled in 2025 due to delayed payment. Malawi Government rolled out construction works in 2023 but in 2025, the works stalled after installing railway line on a 30-km stretch from Marka Border Post. On Monday, Malawi Railways 1994 Limited board members inspected the railway project.

In his remarks, board chairperson Julius Chione said they were pleased with the project’s progress. He said: “We are pleased that our contractor, China Railways Bureau 20 [CR20] has covered about 30km out of 72km, constructed 11 bridges, including the longest one across Nyachilenda River which covers 210 metres. “They are remaining with five bridges.

The major challenge they are facing is delayed payment. For instance, out of K141 billion only K35 billion was paid to them.” Chione said it was the desire of President Peter Mutharika to complete the entire 201-km stretch from Marka in Nsanje to Limbe in Blantyre through Makhanga, Thekerani and Sandama. On his part, Malawi Railways 1994 Limited acting chief executive officer Engineer Geoffrey Magwede thanked the government for coming to their rescue.

[paywall]

He said: “The coming in of the board of directors here is clear indication that government is serious with the business of railways. We are pleased that government is walking with us. “We have told them our challenges and they have pledged to see how best they can help us.” Magwede said they need to support the contractor to complete the remaining 42km. Marka-Nsanje Railway is part of the Sena Corridor that links Malawi to the Indian Ocean port of Beira in Mozambique.

[/paywall]