Extension of the TER: Diamniadio – AIBD inaugurated Monday, Mbour under study The Regional Express Train (TER) is preparing to take a new step with the official opening, Monday September 28, of the Diamniadio-Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD) section by Bassirou Diomaye Faye. 19 kilometers long, this second phase must extend the line put into service between Dakar…

The Regional Express Train (TER) is preparing to take a new step with the official opening, Monday September 28, of the Diamniadio-Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD) section by Bassirou Diomaye Faye. 19 kilometers long, this second phase should extend the line put into service between Dakar and Diamniadio and strengthen the rail service to the airport.

Officially launched on March 5, 2022, this phase was initially supposed to be completed in 21 months, including four months dedicated to freeing up the rights-of-way. The cost announced at the time was 207 billion CFA francs. The initial schedule anticipated commissioning towards the end of 2023. The project, however, underwent adjustments and extensions. A contract relating to the rail system, signed in September 2023 and notified in January 2024, notably had a completion time of 15 months.

After the work, the technical tests constituted a decisive stage at the end of July. In September 2026, SENTER was still carrying out security exercises in preparation for the opening of the Diamniadio-AIBD link.

But the ambition now goes beyond the airport. Phase 3 aims to extend the TER to Thiès, over approximately 25 kilometers. Last July, the State, AFD and the European Union signed a memorandum to finance preliminary technical, economic, social and environmental studies. These studies must last 20 to 24 months.

The stated objective is also to study the extension of the network towards Mbour, already mentioned by the authorities. From 2023, the government had requested the launch of studies for the extensions to Thiès and Mbour. In March 2026, funding for phase 3 was reinforced with contributions from the EU and AFD.

Thus, with the opening of Diamniadio-AIBD, the TER enters a new sequence: moving from an essentially metropolitan connection to a rail network more oriented towards the major urban and economic centers of the country.

Sheikh Gora DIOP