OUAGADOUGOU: Sitarail has announced the resumption of passenger train services between Ouagadougou and Abidjan starting November 17, 2023. This decision follows a request from the Burkinabe government, as reported by AIB on Saturday.

According to Burkina Information Agency, The service, commencing on November 17, will feature one train per week equipped with two cars offering 192 seats and collector vans. The Burkinabe government’s insistence on the resumption of this service comes despite Sitarail’s earlier reluctance, citing security concerns, infrastructure deterioration, and lack of authorization from the Ivorian side.

The Burkinabe executive dismissed these concerns, highlighting the national anti-terrorism strategy and the ongoing governmental discussions for authorization. Additionally, the Railway Investment Fund has allocated extra credits for infrastructure repair to facilitate the train service’s revival.

The Burkinabe State’s insistence on resuming passenger trains in November aims to stimulate the economy and serve the populace’s needs. The government has also refused to take responsibility for potential damages related to this activity, as claimed by Sitarail.