Algerian rail lines rerouted amid water crisis

Algerian railway authorities have implemented temporary traffic modifications on the Alger-El Afroun and Agha-Zeralda commuter lines, according to Algeria Invest. The changes, announced on 31 December 2025, come as part of broader emergency measures to address the country’s worsening groundwater depletion crisis.

The National Rail Transport Company (SNTF) has not released a detailed timeline for the adjustments, but confirmed that the rerouting affects both suburban passenger services and freight operations. The Alger-El Afroun line, which connects the capital to the Mitidja Plain’s agricultural belt, and the Agha-Zeralda route, serving coastal communities west of Algiers, are critical arteries for daily commuters and goods transport.

While the SNTF has not explicitly linked the rail modifications to water scarcity, the timing coincides with escalating restrictions on groundwater extraction. Algeria’s Water Resources Ministry reported in November 2025 that aquifer levels in the Mitidja region had dropped by 40% over the past decade, with extraction rates exceeding natural recharge by 2.3 billion cubic meters annually. The ministry’s data shows that agricultural irrigation accounts for 60% of groundwater use in the area, followed by urban supply and industrial demand.

Local farmers in El Afroun and nearby Boufarik have reported increased difficulties accessing water for crops, with some citrus and vegetable producers reducing planted areas by up to 30% since 2023. The rail line modifications may reflect logistical adaptations to these agricultural shifts, particularly as freight volumes for perishable goods decline.

The Agha-Zeralda line’s rerouting could also signal infrastructure vulnerabilities. Zeralda’s coastal aquifers have suffered from saltwater intrusion, a phenomenon accelerated by over-extraction and rising sea levels. The town’s desalination plant, operational since 2024, has struggled to meet demand, prompting rationing measures in residential areas. Rail traffic adjustments may aim to reduce strain on local resources by optimizing transport routes.

Algeria’s government has framed the groundwater crisis as a national priority, with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announcing a 150 billion dinar ($1.1 billion) emergency fund in October 2025 to accelerate desalination projects and wastewater recycling. The plan includes the construction of 11 new desalination plants along the Mediterranean coast by 2027, though critics argue the timeline is too slow to address immediate shortages.

The rail modifications follow other emergency measures, including a 20% reduction in water allocations to industrial zones in Blida and Tipaza provinces. The National Agency for Dams and Transfers (ANBT) has also suspended new groundwater drilling permits in the Mitidja region, citing “critical depletion levels.” These restrictions have sparked protests from small-scale farmers, who argue that alternative water sources remain inaccessible due to high costs.

Transport experts note that the rail adjustments could have cascading effects on Algeria’s economy. The Alger-El Afroun line supports the movement of construction materials, a sector already facing delays due to water shortages affecting cement production. The Agha-Zeralda route, meanwhile, serves the expanding port of Zeralda, which handles imports of food and industrial goods. Any prolonged disruptions could exacerbate supply chain bottlenecks, particularly for wheat and pharmaceuticals.

The SNTF has assured passengers that the modifications are temporary, but has not provided a specific end date. Commuters have reported longer travel times, with some services consolidated or replaced by bus shuttles. The agency has urged travelers to consult its mobile application for real-time updates, though connectivity issues in rural areas have limited the system’s effectiveness.

Algeria’s groundwater crisis has highlighted the country’s reliance on finite resources. The Mitidja Plain, once known as the “granary of Algiers,” now faces desertification risks, with soil degradation affecting 35% of arable land. Climate projections from the National Meteorological Office (ONM) suggest that rainfall in northern Algeria will decrease by 10-15% by 2050, further straining aquifers.

The rail modifications may serve as a test case for how Algeria manages infrastructure under resource constraints. Similar adjustments could follow in other sectors, including energy and agriculture, as the country grapples with the dual pressures of climate change and economic demands. The government’s ability to balance immediate needs with long-term sustainability will likely shape Algeria’s development trajectory in the coming decade.

For now, the rerouting of the Alger-El Afroun and Agha-Zeralda lines remains a temporary measure, but its implications extend far beyond the railway tracks. It reflects a broader recalibration of Algeria’s infrastructure in response to a deepening water crisis—one that shows no signs of abating.