---
title: "Ouargla Tram – Algeria"
url: "https://www.systra.com/en/projects/the-ouargla-tram-algeria/"
type: projects
date_published: 2024-03-05
date_modified: 2025-06-25
schema:
  @type: WebPage
language: en-US
word_count: 438
reading_time: 3 min
canonical: "https://www.systra.com/en/projects/the-ouargla-tram-algeria/"
featured_image: "https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ouargla-tramway.jpg"
type-market:
  - Urban mobilities
project-market:
  - Urban transit
  - Light rail
project-service:
  - Design
  - Project Management and Construction
  - Testing and commissioning
project-location:
  - Algeria
---

# Ouargla Tram – Algeria

![Ouargla Tram – Algeria](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ouargla-tramway.jpg)

**Put into service in 2018, the Ouargla Tram in Algeria, nicknamed the ‘Tram at the gates of the Sahara’, has boosted the local economy and transport, thanks to a service covering both bus and train stations.**

This is the second tram we have delivered in Algeria, following our work on the
Algiers Tram, which opened in 2011. With 16 stations, this 9.6km line in the
city of Ouargla links the new town (d’Hai Nasr) to the old town (Ksar) via the
city centre.

### A COMPLETE PROJECT MANAGEMENT ASSIGNMENT

SYSTRA was responsible for the entire project management of the Ouargla Tram. We
have been involved in every stage of the project from design to execution on
behalf of ‘Entreprise du Métro d’Alger’ (EMA), which operates the line. Since
2011, when we completed the detailed design studies in record time, until final
trials in 2018, around 40 people mainly from our Algerian operations and tram
department in Lyon have worked on the project. Paris-based experts in stations,
major infrastructure, rolling stock and transport systems also contributed to
this project.

### EXTREME CLIMATIC CONDITIONS: A CHALLENGE OVERCOME

Ouargla is in the Algerian Sahara, which presents some very tough geotechnical
and hydrogeological challenges. Consequently, we developed a method for
analysing risks linked to gypsum, to identify and fill in cavities. Each
building we designed, including the maintenance centre, has a special
air-conditioning system and the track equipment includes a system for clearing
away sand.

During the construction phase launched in 2013, we could count on the experience
gained on other tramway networks to which SYSTRA has contributed in the Maghreb:

- Project Management for the Algiers Tram network in Algeria
- Project Management for the Casablanca Tram network in Morocco
- General Project Management for the Rabat-Salé tramway
- Preliminary studies and detailed design fo the Phase 1 of the Sfax tramway in
  Tunisia

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