Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Meets with Railway Workers in Atbara and Promises to Overcome Obstacles

The Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Saif Al-Nasr Haroun, met this morning in Atbara with the Director General of the Railway and railway sector employees, as part of his current visit to River Nile State.

Addressing the employees, the Minister called for unified efforts to achieve development, stating that his ministry would work to improve the conditions of its employees. He indicated that the railway would undergo expansion to reach new areas and neighboring countries, which requires qualified personnel, given that the railway lines will keep pace with global technological advancements.

For his part, the Director General of the Sudan Railways Corporation, Engineer Musa Al-Qoum Al-Jihani, said that the visit confirms the ministry’s interest in this vital sector, noting that last year was a challenging one, but the most difficult phase of the work has been overcome.

He added, “We have succeeded in securing the financial entitlements of the employees, and we are working diligently to resolve the pensioners’ issues with the relevant authorities.” He said, “We need to hire new employees to keep the work running smoothly and to implement the operational plan.”

Dr. Mohamed Al-Naeem Mohamed Nayel, representing the Railway Corporation’s senior management, stated that the Corporation faced difficulties as a result of the war, with gradual resumption of operations beginning in 2025 after the liberation of Khartoum.

Meanwhile, the representative of the Railway Workers’ Union explained the obstacles they face, including the processing of pensions by the National Pension Fund, the importance of addressing senior leadership promotions, and the issue of insurance for entry-level employees. He pointed out that some existing staff could be utilized to fill the personnel shortage and stressed the importance of continuing operations at the Railway Workers’ Hospital.

He praised the significant support from the Governor of River Nile State, Al-Badawi, and the Director General of the Railway Authority, who contributed to making every effort to ensure the railway’s continued operation despite the circumstances the country has endured as a result of the war, which has had a significant impact. He expressed his expectation of a strong revival of the railway this year.