The last passenger railway service in Sierra Leone was terminated in 1974 under the leadership of President Dr. Siaka Stevens, the founder and leader of the All Peoples Congress (APC).
Under the leadership of President Brig. (Rtd) Julius Maada Bio, passenger railway is expected to return very soon. ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms have procured and shipped seven passenger railcars from Japan, which are expected at the Freetown Port on 26th October, 2023. On 17th January, 2023 AISE IIP signed a lease agreement with the Government of Sierra Leone to โdevelop, expand and manageโ the Pepel railway and port.
With less than five years left in his second and final term, President Bio is determined to leave behind the greatest legacy of his Presidency-the passenger railway. The passenger train will have a tangible impact that can change the transport eco-system today and in the future.
Sierra Leoneans, especially SLPP members and supporters, have called on President Bio to stick with the ARISE agreement which will see the full implementation of the Koya Industrial Zone project and the development of the Pepel Railway and Port.
The return of the passenger railway has been described as President Bioโs biggest legacy when he leaves office in 2028.
