Nacala Railway Corridor, Mozambique

Critical rail corridor supports economic development across Mozambique and neighbouring countries.

Client

Vale

Project date

2011-2013

Zutari was entrusted with the detailed design of the Nacala Railway Corridor, a transformative infrastructure project aimed at transporting approximately 18 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of coal from the Moatize Mine in Mozambique to a new coal terminal in Nacala Velha. At nearly 1,000 km in length, the corridor has the potential to serve not only Mozambique’s Tete Province but also neighbouring countries such as Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The opportunity

The Nacala Corridor represents a strategic opportunity to unlock regional trade and mobility. Beyond coal exports, the railway is positioned to support broader economic development, job creation and improved connectivity for communities along its route. Its scale and reach make it a vital infrastructure investment for Southern Africa.

What we did

Zutari was selected for its deep technical expertise and strong local capacity in Mozambique. Our multidisciplinary team undertook several preparatory studies, including:

  • Preliminary designs of retaining walls, borrow pits, interference and access roads

  • Building structures and electrical services

  • Wet and fire services

  • Bulk water sanitation and electricity

  • Mechanical designs of pump stations


Following this, Zutari was appointed for the detailed design of the entire 20.5-ton axle load railway line and associated infrastructure. This included:

  • Geometric design of the rail alignment

  • Cut and fill slope design

  • Design of bridges, culverts and building structures

Rail infrastructure under development along the Nacala Corridor, connecting inland mining operations to coastal export terminals.

The outcome

The Nacala Railway Corridor is poised to become a major trade route for Mozambique, Zambia and the DRC. It supports coal exports, facilitates regional economic growth, creates employment opportunities and enhances human mobility through a passenger train service. The project demonstrates how rail infrastructure, when planned and delivered effectively, can generate lasting value for economies and communities.

Zutari is proud to partner with government and stakeholders on the Nacala Corridor, a project that exemplifies infrastructure’s role in driving prosperity. Through technical excellence and regional collaboration, the corridor is set to become a cornerstone of Southern Africa’s transport network.

An important rail corridor that will impact African economies and the many communities along its 1,000 km stretch.

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