After nearly eight years of interruption, the passenger train between Tozeur and Tunis has been brought back into operation. The National Tunisian Railway Company (SNCFT) announced that the service officially resumed on Monday, 1 September 2025.
Authorities have described the reinstatement of the connection as an important step towards “facilitating travel for residents from the south to the capital and strengthening the country’s rail connectivity.”
Preparations and test run
Prior to the relaunch, a first test journey took place on 15 June 2025 under the supervision of the Governor of Gafsa. This trip, heading towards Oum Laarayes, served to test the reliability and safety of the line.
The restoration project was made possible through cooperation between the SNCFT and regional authorities. Railway infrastructure and rolling stock were refurbished, maintenance work was carried out, and safety measures were reinforced.
Importance for the region and its people
The resumption of the service is of great significance for the inland regions, particularly the Governorate of Gafsa and towns such as Metlaoui, Redeyef, and Oum Laarayes, which have suffered greatly in recent years from rail isolation.
According to those involved, the reopening serves a dual purpose: ensuring safety while meeting the growing mobility needs of local residents.
Economic and touristic impact
The line is expected not only to improve access to the capital but also to boost trade and strengthen tourism in south-western Tunisia. The project forms part of a broader national strategy to revitalise the railway network and narrow the gap between the coastal areas and the interior.
The SNCFT has stated that it will closely monitor the quality of the service and scale up resources as passenger numbers increase.
