On 23rd November 2023, the Mozambican government reopened the Machipanda Line between Beira and Chimoio after a four-year modernisation worth around €184.2 million (US$200 million). The line is intended to strengthen the country's position in rail freight transport and reduce the burden on the roads. The 317 km line, which connects the port of Beira in Sofala with the Republic of Zimbabwe, will also serve Zambia and Malawi. The reopening of the line will also enable the resumption of Beira – Machipanda passenger services, which have not been in operation for more than 20 years. The work, which took place from August 2019 to November 2023, included the replacement of rails and sleepers as well as the renewal of the ballast. The renovation brought the line up to international standards and increased the transport capacity to 3 million t per year.
