Travel Time Between Bardo and Barcelona Stations to be Reduced to Under 7 Minutes
The travel time on the rapid train between Bardo and Barcelona stations will not exceed seven minutes in the future, announced Karim El Kadri, CEO of the Rapid Railway Network Company of Tunis.
Improvement of the "D" Line
This improvement is part of the ongoing work on the "D" line, which is expected to be fully completed by August 2027. The current phase of work, which began in August 2025, aims to permanently eliminate all intersections between the railway and the road.
Objective: Reduce Congestion and Improve Traffic Flow
The objective is to put an end to the chronic traffic jams that the city of Bardo suffers from and to permanently improve traffic flow. The level crossings will be replaced by tunnels for cars and pedestrian overpasses and underpasses, equipped with elevators and escalators. These developments will allow the train to circulate without slowing down on the section connecting Bardo to the Barcelona station, while strengthening the safety of road and pedestrian users.
Progressive Deviation System
To limit disruptions, the company has implemented a progressive deviation system, with staggered closures of road axes. This approach aims to reduce the nuisance for residents and motorists in this strategic area, considered a vital economic axis and a key passage to the capital.
Reopening of Roads
The roads are reopened as the work is completed to facilitate traffic.
Capacity of the Rapid Train
Karim El Kadri also highlighted that the rapid train project will help alleviate pressure on other public transportation means. The capacity of a train is estimated at 1,200 passengers per trip, which can reach 2,400 passengers for a double train.
Benefits of the Rapid Train
The rapid railway network will also allow for better urban traffic flow, thanks to the total absence of intersections with the road, while reducing the use of individual vehicles and energy consumption. The CEO also emphasized the ecological nature of the rapid train, which runs on electric energy, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions and noise pollution.
Rehabilitation of the Bardo Square
The ongoing work includes the rehabilitation of the Bardo square, the installation of a fountain, and the development of green spaces, for a total cost estimated at 400 million dinars.
Temporary Disruptions
Regarding the disruptions reported by users at the level of schedules, Karim El Kadri explained that they are due to the provisional operation of all trains on a single track at Bardo. He assured that this is a temporary situation, which will end with the installation of the three planned tracks, two of which are reserved for the rapid train and one for ordinary and international lines.
Progress of the Work
The progress of the work has currently reached 30%, he specified, reaffirming the company's commitment to respecting the set deadlines. He also insisted on the obligation to restore the sites after the completion of the work of laying water, electricity, and sanitation networks, before handing over the project to the operator, the Tunisian National Railway Company.
The "D" Line
Note that the "D" line of the Rapid Railway Network extends over 12.9 kilometers and includes ten stations connecting El Gbaâa (Manouba) to Barcelona (Tunis). It was put into operation in January 2025, with the exception of the section crossing the city of Bardo, which represents 18% of the project.
Read also: RFR announces the transformation schedule of the Bardo square until 2027
