Addis Ababa registered progress in rail transport maintenance. By the end of the 2025 Ethiopian fiscal year, the number of operational trains in the Addis Ababa Light Rail (AALR) system increased from 13 to 19. 

The increase in service capacity was achieved through internal capacity-building efforts and more efficient use of technical resources. Alongside this expansion, the AALR reported a revenue of Birr 257 million for the year, reflecting an 85 percent rise compared to the previous fiscal year. The revenue growth is attributed to enhanced service delivery and improved operational efficiency.

Beyond the addition of rolling stock, the AALR also undertook physical upgrades to multiple rail crossings throughout the capital. 

After years of underinvestment, the system is beginning to recover, supported by renewed attention from both the city administration and the federal government. Currently, the light rail transports approximately 60,000 passengers per day. Annual passenger figures rose from 13 million in 2024 to 16.5 million by the end of the 2025 fiscal year.

Despite the positive developments, challenges persist. Out of a total fleet of 41 trains, only 19 are currently operational. Rehabilitation efforts are ongoing, with plans to increase the number of functional trains to 25 by 2026.

The current initiatives are part of a broader strategy aimed at transforming the Addis Ababa Light Rail into a more efficient and dependable urban transport system to meet the needs of the city’s rapidly growing population.

Source: The Ethiopian Herald

Image source: Ethiopian Railways Corporation