Nearly a decade after its much-anticipated launch, Addis Ababa's light-rail system is facing significant challenges, with only 15 of the original 41 trains still operational. The decline in service is attributed to a shortage of spare parts, inadequate maintenance facilities, and frequent power outages. 

Ato Worku Desta, Deputy Head of the Research and Technology Department at the Addis Ababa Transport Bureau, confirmed that the city's rail service has deteriorated over time and failed to live up to expectations. To keep some trains running, damaged units have been cannibalized for spare parts, but this approach has proven unsustainable. 

The rail system was part of a broader USD 14.8 billion loan-funded infrastructure initiative by China, which included the Ethio-Djibouti railway, airport expansions, and road projects. While initially hailed as transformative, the rail service has been hampered by poor planning and insufficient arrangements for maintenance, spare parts, and local expertise.

Ato Worku added that the government is now working on modernizing the rail sector to address these challenges and improve the reliability of the transportation system. Efforts are underway to secure spare parts and develop maintenance facilities to restore and expand train services in Addis Ababa.

Source (including image): Ethio FM 107.8

Additional source: Bloomberg