This line is 1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in) gauge. Conversion to 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) gauge has been proposed.[2] Rejuvenation of this line will be paid for by allow Simandou North iron ore to be exported to a more close by port in Liberia.[3]
The heavy duty Transguinean Railways is about 670 km long and would be 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge. It goes from iron ore mines in the south east near Simandou and bauxite mines in the north to a new port at Matakong.[7] The link may be double track.[8] This project has been delayed by a coup.[9] In 2001, this line was estimated to cost $3,000m.[10] The line includes 21 km of tunnels which might mean one tunnel 21 km long, or 21 tunnels each 1 km long.[11]
(This line would be heavy duty 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) gauge) This line is badly affected by the theft of rail spikes and plates which can cause derailments.
Guinea and Liberia agree to build transborder railway for iron ore traffic.[5] This railway would be shorter and cheaper than a railway entirely within Guinea territory. As part of the deal, the narrow gauge Trans-Guinean railway would be renovated. 1435mm gauge. Later rescinded.
