Secretary for Transport and Public Works Bright Kumwembe says Malawi is taking major steps to strengthen the management of its railway industry as part of reducing transport costs and movement of heavy cargo.
He said this at the ongoing Southern Africa Railways Association (SARA) conference in Sandton, South Africa.
Kumwembe said Malawi recreated the Malawi Railways 1994 institution to ensure effective monitoring of railways and its services.
He added that Malawi, as a landlocked country, is following the National Transport Master Plan which recommends shifting heavy cargo from road to rail.
"The country is working towards separating railway industry management from railway operations through the establishment of Rail and Maritime Regulatory Authority of Malawi (RAMRAM) to strengthen oversight and improve the efficiency of the rail sector", the Secretary explained.
He also said Malawi is working with Zambia and Mozambique under the Nacala Development Corridor (NDC) program to develop rail infrastructure to connect it to the two countries.
He then highlighted the proposed northbound railway connection through which Malawi intends to access the Dar es Salaam corridor.
He said discussions are underway with the Central Corridor, and the African Development Bank (AfDB) which is expected to support feasibility study and assistance towards investment in the project.
Southern Africa Railways Association is a non - profit organization and represents 15 railway operating companies and regulatory bodies among others.