India’s railway infrastructure giant, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), has expanded its international presence with the establishment of a Project Implementation Unit in Rwanda, positioning the country as one of its operational locations as the company explores opportunities in Africa’s growing transport infrastructure sector.
According to RVNL’s 2024/25 annual report, the Indian state-owned railway company has established project offices outside India, including in Rwanda, as part of efforts to support the implementation and management of railway-related projects.
RVNL, a public sector undertaking under India’s Ministry of Railways, specialises in railway infrastructure development, including construction of new railway lines, railway electrification, signalling systems, metro rail projects and other large-scale transport infrastructure works.
The company’s presence in Rwanda comes as the country continues to pursue stronger regional connectivity through planned railway projects aimed at improving access to international trade routes.
One of the major initiatives under discussion is the proposed Central Corridor railway connection linking Tanzania and Rwanda through the Isaka–Kigali route, which is expected to strengthen links between Rwanda and the Port of Dar es Salaam once developed.
The project forms part of broader regional efforts to improve transport networks across East Africa.
However, RVNL has not publicly confirmed that it has been awarded the Isaka–Kigali railway project or that Rwanda has been officially designated as its African headquarters.
The establishment of RVNL’s presence in Rwanda highlights growing economic engagement between Rwanda and India, with potential opportunities for cooperation in railway engineering, infrastructure development and transport technology.
Rwanda has increasingly positioned itself as a regional investment and logistics hub, while Indian companies continue expanding their footprint across Africa.
The collaboration reflects growing interest in developing modern transport systems that can support trade, mobility and economic integration across the continent.
