Luanda: The express passenger train from Bungo Station to Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN) is set to commence operations this Thursday, the 7th, with 12 trips per day covering a route of approximately 52 kilometers.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Manuel Kandakanda, chairman of the Board of Directors of CFL, stated that the train service coincides with the initiation of domestic passenger flights from Luanda to Cabinda, scheduled for the 10th of this month. The train has a capacity to transport 700 passengers per trip, totaling 8,400 passengers daily.
During a press briefing, which took place as President João Lourenço visited the Bungo/AIAAN railway line and the Airport/Zango 5 road section, Kandakanda explained that the railway line is equipped for a circular train with a maximum speed of 120 km/h. However, the initial speed to the airport will be limited to 50 km/h at critical points and 90 km/h in areas without constraints.
Kandakanda mentioned that the journey will initi
ally take about an hour due to ongoing works along the railway. This duration is expected to decrease to 45 minutes once the construction is completed and the points of conflict on the route are resolved.
The CFL network also supports long-distance trains from Musseques Station to Malanje and medium-distance trains to Cuanza-Norte in Luinha, where the train serves as the sole means of transport. Additionally, the line accommodates regular suburban trains between Bungo Station and Vila de Viana.
The President’s visit to the railway line comes five months after his last inspection in June, in preparation for the launch of passenger flights at AIAAN. The visit revealed issues such as garbage and water puddles along the railway, attributed to nearby residents and vendors selling goods on the tracks.
President Lourenço’s journey on the express train, departing from Bungo at 9:35 am and arriving at AIAAN Station at 10:50 am, concluded with an inspection of the Airport/Zango 5 road section, marking the end of his
visit.