The political winds in the Lower Shire have shifted — and they are blowing in President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera’s favour. The long-awaited Marka–Bangula railway rehabilitation, a pledge many once dismissed as impossible, is now thundering into reality, with tracks stretching all the way to Nsanje Boma.
From Marka at the Mozambique border, the iron snake is now only breaths away from full operational glory, rekindling economic dreams last enjoyed over two decades ago. “We were doubting that this railway project will happen… now we have seen it reach Nsanje Boma from Marka, and we believe the train will soon arrive here from Mozambique,” said an elated Antonio Vito of Chiphwembwe Village, under T/A Malemia. He spoke with a conviction shared by many — that business stalls, piecework jobs, and a bustling station economy are now within grasp.
For Mervis Divala of Magulugulu Village, this is more than just steel and sleepers. “The railway will open economic opportunities for youth and women… I can’t wait to do business at the station once the trains start,” she said, praising President Chakwera for delivering on a promise critics thought would die a slow death. She called the project “a testament to the President’s dedication to restore the lost economic glory of Nsanje.”
Senior Chief Chimombo added weight to the optimism, noting the railway will slash transport costs for farm produce, boosting the agricultural economy. Minister of Transport Jacob Hara, addressing earlier delays, explained that the redesign was essential to make the railway resilient against disasters — a strategic move, not a setback.
Costing K141 billion and stretching 72 kilometres, this vital lifeline to Mozambique is more than infrastructure — it is a political and economic game-changer. As the railway inches toward completion, one message rings loud from Nsanje to Blantyre: Chakwera’s train is not just on track — it’s running full steam ahead toward a first-round victory.
