Asmara to Massawa by Rail
Asmara /
Mai Hizni /
Arbaroba /
Nefasit /
Ghinda /
The Flats /
Technical details /
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Some technical details
The Italians began the railway line in 1888 in Massawa. It quickly reached Saati a few kilometers from
the coast. They extended the route to Ghinda at 1,260 meters (3,200 feet) by 1904. In 1910 they
reached Nefasit, and finally in 1911 Asmara. In time the line was extended to Tessenei on the western
frontier with Sudan. Its total length in 1952 was 348 kilometers (215 miles).
The tracks are 950 mm apart, a size unique to the Italians. According to the 1952
200 Pagine sull' Eritrea, a book showing off the commercial wares of Eritrea, the line had
29 stone bridges, two metal ones, and 39 tunnels while 11 Littorinas and 23 steam and diesel locomotives
provided its pulling power.
After the time I was there but surely part of the overall story, the Ethiopians dismantled the route
in 1976 when it became apparent that they could not keep it running due to Eritrea's war for
independence. Since Eritrea achieved independence in 1991, the Eritreans have been slowly rebuilding
the route. They hope to reach Asmara in 2002.
For many more detailed specifications on this railroad and it's rolling stock see Ralph R. Reinhold's Eritrean Railway and Ropeway.
Asmara /
Mai Hizni /
Arbaroba /
Nefasit /
Ghinda /
The Flats /
Technical details /
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Copyright © 2000 Mike Metras, www.WorksAndWords.com
