South Sudan does not have an extensive rail system and current rail infrastructure, which was constructed between 1959-1962, and what has been left over from the previous Sudan government is in severe disrepair. In 2010, the track was rehabilitated through the MDTF’s US$48.5 million National Emergency Transport Project (NETREP) to revitalise the sector and increase cargo and passenger transport capacity in the area. However, current rail operations have been suspended due to border closures, unserviceable equipment, a lack of capacity, and non-operational rolling stock.

The single, 1067 mm (3’6”) gauge, 446km rail connection linking Babanusa in North Sudan to Wau in South Sudan forms part of a rail transport corridor that extends up to Port Sudan and forms a vital transportation link into South Sudan’s Northern and Western Bar El Ghazal states with a 248km link from the border to the significant towns of Aweil and Wau. Regionally, however, there has been a shift towards road transport due to the relatively high rail tariff costs, unreliable service, unavailability of adequate assets and general poor management.

When reopened, and rail capacity is fully realised, the railway line could serve as a vital part of the domestic transport system, and even though the government has indicated the desire to revitalise and extend the network, the current emphasis is on the expansion of the road network and any transport costs will, for the foreseeable future, be constrained by road competition.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List here.

Travel Time Matrix

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Railway Companies and Consortia

No railway companies or consortia are currently operating in South Sudan. Historically, railway companies were owned and operated from Sudan through the Sudan Railways Corporation. When the line is reopened, the SRC is the most likely company to continue services along this route. 

Capacity Table

Key Route Information

Key Stations