Kinshasa, June 30, 2026 (TOP243NEWS).-President Félix Tshisekedi on Tuesday inaugurated the long-awaited railway service linking Kinshasa Central Station to N’djili International Airport, restoring passenger rail operations after nearly 15 years of inactivity in the Congolese capital.
The 25-kilometre railway line is expected to play a key role in easing chronic traffic congestion in Kinshasa, one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities.
Authorities say the service will provide residents with a more reliable and affordable transport option while helping reclaim railway corridors that have been illegally occupied over the years.
The reopening marks a significant step in the government’s broader efforts to modernise public transport infrastructure and improve urban mobility.
Officials say the project is designed to enhance daily commuting conditions for millions of Kinshasa residents while supporting the city’s long-term economic development.
During the inaugural journey, President Tshisekedi also announced plans to extend the railway westward from Kinshasa Central Station to Kintambo Magasin, as part of a wider strategy to expand and modernise the capital’s rail network.
Regular passenger services are expected to begin within the next three weeks. Once fully operational, the railway is expected to cut travel time between Kinshasa Central Station and N’djili International Airport by between 20 and 30 minutes, offering commuters a faster and more dependable alternative to road transport.
By Mike Pakoto|TOP243NEWS