The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved funding worth around EUR 767 million (USD 878 million) for the second construction phase of the 495 km Laghouat – Ghardaïa – El Meniaa line. The funds will finance the 230 km Ghardaïa – El Meniaa section including associated infrastructure as well as institutional strengthening measures. The project is being contracted and implemented by the Algerian Ministry of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure. The new line is part of the Trans-Saharan railway corridor, which aims to connect Algiers with Tamanrasset and improve the connectivity of the Sahara regions to the country's economic centres and ports. The government anticipates shorter transport times and lower costs for agricultural and mining products along the line.