Transport in the Gambia

The system of transportation in the Gambia mixes both public and private operations and consists of a system of roads (both paved and unpaved), water and air transportation. The Trans-Gambia Highway runs along both sides of the river Gambia, which bisects the country. The river may be crossed by ferry or the Senegambia bridge. There are no railways in the country.

A road in Gambia, 2007.

History

During the colonial era, several small railways existed in the Gambia. One, in Bathurst (now Banjul), stretched from Wellington Street to The Marina, now Liberation Avenue and Marina Parade respectively. A War Office map from 1909 clearly shows the railway.[1] Both Kuntaur and Kaur had similar railways from the wharfs to the warehouses. The railways had hand-pushed wagons for transporting of goods from ships. They were used by large companies involved in trading, such as Maurel & Prom. These railways existed until the 1960s.[2]

Railways

In 2009 an agreement was signed between Japan and Gambia for construction of railway to Senegal.

Roads

Highways:
As of 2002, there were 2,700 km of roads, including 956 km of paved roads. There were 106,600 passenger cars and 142,300 commercial vehicles were in use. The most important highway in the Gambia is the Trans-Gambia Highway.

total: 3,742 km
(country comparison to the world: 159) paved: 723 km
unpaved: 3,019 km (2004) Newly paved roads are usually in excellent condition.

Waterways
The Banjul ferry.

The Gambia River not only provides important internal transport but is also an international commercial link. Oceangoing vessels can travel 240 km upstream. In 2004 there were 390 km of total waterways. Banjul, the principal port, receives about 300 ships annually. Ferries operate across the river and between Banjul and Barra.

With the construction of major all-weather roads on both sides of the Gambia River, the waterway has become less significant for passenger traffic.

Waterways: 390 km (small ocean-going vessels can reach 190 km) (2008)
country comparison to the world: 90

Ports and harbours: Banjul, Gambia Ports Authority

Merchant marine:
total:'5
country comparison to the world: 133 by type: passenger/cargo: 4, petroleum tanker 1 (2008)

Airports
Banjul International Airport, 2009.

The country's only international airport is at Yundum, 26 km from Banjul. Air Gambia, 60% state owned, acts as an agent only. Foreign air carriers provide international service.

Airports: 1 (2008): Banjul International Airport Yundum.
country comparison to the world: 133

Airports - with paved runways:
total: 1
over 3,047 m: 1 (2008)

References
  1. "Sketch Map of St Mary's Island, Gambia". Bantaba in Cyberspace. 17 May 2006. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  2. "Information about the Gambian railways". Bantaba in Cyberspace. 14 May 2006. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
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