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The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, has announced plans to reintroduce commercial train services in the country.
The announcement was made by Minister Alhaji Fanday Turay during the Civic Day series in the United States on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
“His Excellency has a vision to also have a train in Sierra Leone. To accomplish that, we have already established an agency to conduct research. Afterward, we will meet with business stakeholders, and I believe this is also an opportunity for the diaspora to invest,” Minister Turay said, urging Sierra Leoneans with connections to interested companies to come forward.
Train transportation was once a key part of Sierra Leone’s infrastructure, connecting communities and facilitating the movement of goods across major points in the country. The proposed revival is part of broader efforts to modernize the nation’s transport sector.
Minister Turay highlighted other achievements under his tenure, including the introduction of the Waka Fine Bus System, which has helped alleviate urban transportation challenges.
“These buses carry over 35,000 people daily within Freetown, operating on weekdays and weekends,” he said. Discussions on improving rural transportation are also underway.
The Minister also noted the decentralization of vehicle licensing services to all districts, making access easier for citizens. Addressing concerns about road safety, he explained that the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) has established mobile units along major highways, including Mile 91, to monitor traffic and respond to emergencies. Citizens can report issues using the hotline 844.
Minister Turay further announced potential reforms, including a review of the current $25 airport security fee, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency and safety in the transport sector
Perfectly said, is a good idea for the reintroduction of train. Train is one of the easiest way of transportation especially in the provinces for the safe transportation of perishable goods
Contacts should be taken into deep consideration with the Chinese Railway Industry. I am in doubt about fruitful accomplishment will come from the European countries and the United States. China is the best bet to be negotiated with for such a huge adventure.
This will be one of the legacies President Maada BIO will be well remembered by the people of Sierra Leone.