Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) has announced the closure of the Ndola–Sakania railway line at the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after a massive sinkhole was discovered near the tracks on February 11, 2025.
ZRL Public Relations Manager Sombe Longwani-Ng’onga confirmed in a statement that the closure was necessary due to serious concerns about ground stability and the structural integrity of the railway line, which posed a significant risk to train operations and nearby communities.
Safety Concerns and Preliminary Findings
A preliminary assessment by ZRL’s engineering team revealed a sinkhole measuring 20 meters in diameter and 15 meters deep, located just six meters from the railway line. Additional cracks, some extending across the tracks, were observed 20 meters away, raising further concerns about potential ground movement and infrastructure damage.
Longwani-Ng’onga stated that initial findings suggest the incident may have been triggered by an underlying limestone aquifer, which likely caused the ground collapse.
Disruption to Cross-Border Trade
The closure has severely impacted cross-border rail transport between Zambia and the DRC, affecting businesses that rely on this key corridor for the movement of goods. The Ndola–Sakania line is a crucial link in regional trade, and its temporary shutdown is expected to disrupt supply chains and increase logistical challenges for traders.
Coordinated Response and Mitigation Efforts
ZRL is working closely with the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) and the Ministry of Transport and Logistics to ensure a swift and coordinated response. “The safety and well-being of all stakeholders are our top priority,” Longwani-Ng’onga emphasized, stating that the closure was a precautionary measure to prevent further accidents.
As part of the response, ZRL will conduct geotechnical assessments to determine the extent of the ground instability and implement necessary mitigation measures to stabilize the railway line.
Commitment to Restoration and Regular Updates
ZRL has assured stakeholders that efforts will be made to restore operations safely and efficiently. The company has also committed to providing regular updates as investigations and remedial works progress.
The closure of the Ndola–Sakania railway line highlights the importance of infrastructure maintenance and disaster preparedness, especially in critical transportation corridors that support trade and economic growth.