Antananarivo, Madagascar - After a gap of nearly 15 years, the first passenger train from the little town of Moramanga on the Indian Ocean island of Madagascar will soon set off on its 250- kilometre journey to Tamatave port. The event caused great celebrations among villagers along the route. These remote rice-growing communities in the rain forest have been virtually cut off from the outside world and delivering their produce to markets in the towns has been an arduous affair for local smallholders.
Railway fans from all over the world have also been eagerly awaiting the resumption of passenger traffic. The trains are hauled by diesel rather than steam locomotives, but for all those aboard the journey is likely to be a unique experience.
The Madarail company, which has been in charge of rail services in the north of the Madagascar for the past few years, set the stage for the renewal of the important rail link several years ago.
The train takes 13 hours to cover the twisting 250 kilometres of track. There are departures from Tamatave at 18.00 on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays and it leaves Moramanga station on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Arrival at both ends is scheduled for 7.00.
The train is due to run later in the day from July onwards in order to use the daylight hours for minor route and infrastructure repairs, said Madarail director general Patrick Claes. He recently unveiled the newly-renovated railway which officials hope will also attract plenty of tourists. Numerous freight workings will continue to use the route.
There will be no first class carriages for passengers and each locomotive will haul three carriages with seats for 72 passengers along with two general luggage coaches and a special goods carriage.
According to the timetable, the train will halt for a mere two minutes at 17 stations and nine other halts along the way to allow passengers and freight to board or exit the train.
From February, tourists who want to holiday on the eastern seaboard will have the first opportunity in many years to travel by rail to Perinet (Andasibe), which lies 26 kilometres from Moramanga.
This is a good place to leave the train and explore the country's best-known National Park where the indri, the largest of Madagascar's lemurs, leap through the tamarind trees. From here there are regular bush taxis to the capital Antananarivo.
Alternatively, it is possible to catch a taxi or hire a car for the morning trip to Moramanga, which also boasts the country's police museum, enjoy lunch at Madagascar's best Chinese restaurant - the "Coq d'Or" or golden cock - and take in the hustle and bustle at the station before the train pulls out at 18.00.
The price of a ticket has been set at a highly-affordable 9,000 Ariary (which equates to about 5 dollars per person). The fare includes an allowance of 50 kilos of personal luggage along with the promise of some adventure along the way. The journey is worth taking alone for the colourful hubbub at stops along the way. However, there is a risk of delay caused by landslides and other natural hazards.
Patrick Claes announced that other rail routes on the island are also set to be revived for passenger traffic. These include the link from Moramanga to Lake Alaotra (150 km), the island's principal rice- growing region, and to Antsirabe (170 km), where precious stones are mined. Three locomotives have been prepared to operate these services along with 14 passenger carriages. Madarail has so far invested more than six million dollars in overhauling the rail network.
At present, the legendary "Jungle Express" is the only regular rail link in Madagascar. It connects Fianarantsoa (420 km south of the capital Antananarivo) with the port of Manakara on the east coast five times a day.
