On 16 January 2025, Camrail welcomed a delegation of 20 journalists from both national and international media outlets for a press tour, providing an exclusive look at its cutting-edge maintenance facilities in Bassa, Douala.
The tour began with a presentation by the Materials Department, followed by visits to two key workshops. The first stop was the Pneumatic Workshop, where six mechanics focus on the maintenance of braking systems for locomotives and wagons. The delegation then toured the Thermal Workshop, where a team of 10 technicians ensures the upkeep of diesel locomotive engines, mechanised equipment, and generator vans, performing both qualitative and quantitative maintenance tasks.
Camrail notes in their media release, that their central workshops in Bassa are recognised as the largest modern railway maintenance facilities in sub-Saharan Africa. They integrate advanced technologies such as metrology and ultrasonic inspection to ensure high-quality maintenance for motorised and towed equipment. Annually, the workshops conducts at least 520 inspections and 226 overhauls, reinforcing their critical role in regional railway operations.
Samy Adama Soro, Director of Materials at Camrail, explained the scope of their operations:
“In our pneumatic and thermal workshops, as well as others, we carry out three types of overhauls as part of maintenance operations: general overhauls, limited overhauls, and accidental overhauls. General overhauls are periodic operations requiring extended time in the workshop, while accidental overhauls are curative in nature.”
This press tour not only highlighted the professionalism of Camrail’s workforce but also underscored the company’s commitment to advancing railway maintenance across the region. With its state-of-the-art facilities and skilled technicians, Camrail remains a key player in sub-Saharan Africa’s railway sector.
