Ethiopia has retendered for construction of the Awash-Hara Gebeya Railway Project. The project, also known as the Awash–Weldiya Railway, is a significant infrastructure project in Ethiopia aimed at enhancing the nation’s transportation network.
Construction commenced in 2015, with the project designed to establish a 392-kilometer electrified, single-track railway line connecting the central town of Awash to Hara Gebeya in the north. However, progress has been hindered by regional conflicts, notably the Tigray War. In October 2021, reports indicated that the Tigray People’s Liberation Front had damaged parts of the railway infrastructure, including tunnels and bridges, and looted construction equipment in Kombolcha. This disruption led to significant setbacks and job losses among railway workers.
Boosting eastern and northern economic zones
Despite these challenges, the Ethiopian government remains committed to the project’s completion. In 2025, the Ethiopian Railways Corporation (ERC) announced efforts to resume the stalled Awash–Hara Gebeya Railway Project by seeking international partners to assist in its revival.
The project includes the construction of 12 tunnels totaling 10 kilometers in length, 52 bridges of varying sizes, 10 substations, 8 power control stations, and a main maintenance workshop. The total project cost is approximately $1.7 billion, financed through loans facilitated by Credit Suisse, with contributions from Türk Eximbank and other international lenders. The Turkish construction firm Yapı Merkezi is the primary contractor, with the French company SYSTRA serving as a consultant.
Once operational, the Awash–Hara Gebeya Railway is expected to play a pivotal role in connecting Ethiopia’s eastern and northern economic zones. It will integrate with other key rail lines, including the Addis Ababa–Djibouti Railway, thereby enhancing trade routes and contributing to the nation’s economic development.