Beitbridge Bulawayo Railway (PVT) Limited (BBR)
Implemented in Zimbabwe on a BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) basis by BBR, the 350-kilometre railway line from Beitbridge (the border post between South Africa and Zimbabwe) to Bulawayo (the most industrialised city in Zimbabwe) was built in record time, with the construction phase lasting only 18 months.
The BBR line links an essential corridor of development in Zimbabwe, reviving closed mines and businesses and enabling new business initiatives, thereby significantly contributing to the economic development of the country.
The new railway line has shortened the time of the journey between the South African border and Bulawayo from six days to only nine hours, thus providing seamless rail service from the South African ports to Bulawayo and other destinations along this line.
Connecting the Continent
The railway line connects South Africa to the industrial heartland of Zimbabwe, contributing to increased trade between the two countries. By being a part of the shortest and most efficient transport corridor in the region, linking Zimbabwe and South Africa as well as Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the new link is in great demand for transit traffic throughout the region.
The BBR line has shortened the distances between countries in terms of geographical distances, time and efficiency, but it has primarily reduced the gap between the people of the region and the access to modern infrastructure.
Providing a Solid Employment Base
During the implementation, as well as in the current operation stage, the BBR line and the related operation have created employment for thousands of indigenous Zimbabweans who presently hold key management positions in the company.