Transport is one of the important pillars of sustainable development and fortune of any country. Well-organized transport systems and modern networks are needed for economic development, social welfare, the large-scale production, and environmental protection. In Algeria, the transport sector is undergoing a real change. A large number of projects were carried out, or are in course of realization, in order to make the sector more effective and operative in its contribution to the economic development of the country.

Transport in Algeria is a diverse sector that has, however, a substantial ground to make up in terms of infrastructure management and development. Completely cognizant of the significance of the issue, the Algerian government has major programs in place to elevate this sector, which is an indispensable requirement for Algeria to enter the era of globalization.

The transport sector in Algeria has experienced a premeditated restructuring in recent months, with the appointment of a new head of the Ministry of Transport (MoT) and the imminent rollout of the country’s latest five year development plan, to run through to 2019. While lower oil revenues are likely to impact funding for less essential projects, the government remains committed to maintaining capital investment in the sector, with AD832.7bn (€7.7bn) to be reserved for the MoT under the new five-year plan, according to the new Minister of Transport, BoudjemaTalai.

The upcoming 2015-19 development plan is anticipated to assign a further $262bn worth of investments, with the goal of increasing domestic production and developing the nonoil economy. Transport infrastructure will also be prioritised, with sector projects to include construction of new train stations, development of a commercial port in the central region of the country and new metro lines. As the largest country in Africa by land area, transport remains a perpetual priority for Algeria, with state policies highlighting railway development in particular. Large-scale investments are currently under way, with the National Company for Rail Transport (SociéteeNationale des Transports Ferroviaires, SNTF) working to expand and modernise its fleet of trains and extend the reach of its railways from 4500 km to 12,500 km in the medium term.

ALWAYS ON TRACK

The railway network of Algeria has lately experienced electrification at some sections, which should lead, soon, the installation of high speed trains that would connect the major cities of the country. The railway network is managed by the National Rail Transport (SNTF). The network has more than 200 stations covering mainly the North of the country, 299 km of electrified, 305 km of doubles ways and 1 085 km of narrow gauge. Among railway projects that are underway, are included namely the electrification of 1,000 km of railways and the construction of 3,000 km of railways. The railway network will reach 12,000 kilometers by 2016 and 2017, thanks to the projects for the sector.Relizane-Tiaret-Tissemsilt railway line: This strategic project covers 185 kilometers and includes the construction of 4.5 km long tunnels and 11 km long bridges. Forty (40) kms have already been built. Algeria plans to multiply its railway network threefold within the next 15 years, to reach 10,000 kms (from 3,200 kms currently) of railways. Most of the 47 billion-dollar package set aside for transport will be allocated to railway development.

TALKING TO THE SKY

Algeria has established its air transport sector in order to make it a genuine vehicle for integration at regional and international levels. A budget of 60 billion dinars (600 million) will be devoted to renew the fleet of “Air Algerie” during the period 2013-2017. The national airline will soon acquire three new aircraft with a capacity of 150 seats and renew its three Boeing 767 currently in service. It is also anticipated the purchase of two cargo planes to transport goods. During the summer season, “Air Algerie” has recorded a growth rate of its total traffic of about 15%. In 2011, “Air Algerie” revenues were 56 billion dinars. Closer cooperation will empower Arab airlines to face strong competition that marks the global air transport.

Algeria has 35 airports, including 13 international ones. The most important is Algiers Airport with a capacity of more than 6 million passengers per year. Air Algérie is the national airline; it dominates the air transport market that counts, since its opening to competition, eight other private companies. It serves several lines to the Europe, Africa, Canada, China, and the Middle East. Several foreign airlines have flights to Algeria namely: Tunis Air, Royal Air Morocco Air France, Air Italy, AigleAzur, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and British Airways. Algiers will have a new international terminal in 2018 with a capacity of 10 million passengers / year, the projected cost is 33 billion dinars (317 million euros) alongwith realization of 07 terminals in Annaba, Tamanrasset, BB mokhtar, Timimoune, Tindouf, AinGuezzam.

THE MARITIME GATEWAYS

Maritime transport is projected to be another pivotal point of public investment over the next five years, with 95% of imported merchandise arriving by sea, according to MoT figures.  In late June the state-owned Algerian National Navigation Company (CompagnieNationaleAlgérienne de Navigation, CNAN) acquired a AD2bn (€18.3m) freighter. The ship has a 12,600tonne, 700-container capacity and is able to transport bulk grains as well as carry multiple types of containerised cargo - both of which are particularly important, as Algeria imports large quantities of cereals and construction equipment.

Several ferry (ferry boat) liaise passengers to European shores as well as the transport of goods around the world. Almost all of international trade is carried by sea, through eleven commercial ports as follows: Algiers, Oran, Annaba, Skikda, Arzew / Bethioua, Bejaia, Mostaganem, Ghazni, Jijel, Ténès and Dellys. Algeria’s coastline has 51 marine infrastructure: 11 commercial ports, 2 oil ports, 41 fishing ports and a marina. 19 port infrastructures (commercial and fishing ports) and four hub airports (airfields and airstrips) were built between 2000 and 2012, in compliance with the five-year plans (2001-2005 and 2005-2009), in addition to the current 2010-2014 plan. The government has unlocked a € 160 million package to equip the various national ports with a new management system for maritime and port security and exchange of information. Additionally one billion dinars (9.6 million euros) have been assigned the port of Oran management company in order to renovate this strategic infrastructure.

THE ROAD TO SUCCESS

Algeria has one of the densest road network in the African continent, with a length of 112,039 km, including 29,573 km of national roads and more than 4,910 civil engineering structures. The automobile fleet will upsurge from its current level of 8 million vehicles to more than 20 million by 2025.The capital city hosts about 4 million cars daily. 97% of transport operations in Algeria are effected by road.The Algerian road network is booming thanks to the modernization program of highways. It includes the completion of the East-West Highway totalling 1216 km and the upcoming launch of construction works of the highway in the highlands of 1020 km. There is also the Trans-Saharan Highway (northsouth), which was endorsed by the government in order to increase trade between the six countries along this road (Algeria, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Chad and Tunisia).

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