The initial endeavor to construct a railway in Ethiopia began in 1896 with the formation of the Imperial Railway Company of Ethiopia (C.I.E.). Despite facing numerous technical and geographical challenges, including a hostile population and the decision to reroute the line, the first section reached Dire-Dawa in 1902. Financial difficulties led to the C.I.E.'s bankruptcy, and in 1908, the Franco-Ethiopian Railway Company (C.F.E.) was established to continue the project, finally reaching Addis Ababa in 1917. Various expansion plans were later considered but abandoned. Following nationalization and Djibouti's independence, the Djibouti-Ethiopian Railway (C.D.E.) was created in 1981 to manage the line, aiming to modernize it; however, the C.D.E. ceased operations in 2011, and planned restoration efforts were discontinued.

The vision of Emperor Menelik II was pivotal in initiating and eventually realizing the railway project. Under his authority, the initial concession was granted, paving the way for establishing the Imperial Railway Company of Ethiopia. Even when faced with geographical and logistical hurdles that necessitated a change in the railway's route, Menelik authorized the construction of the first section's terminus at Addis-Harrar. His foresight in recognizing the importance of modernizing Ethiopia and connecting it to the outside world through this railway laid the foundational groundwork for its development, despite the financial and political challenges that arose later.

• 1896: The Imperial Railway Company of Ethiopia (C.I.E.) is founded, and construction begins under the initial concession.

• 1902: The first section of the railway reaches Dire-Dawa.

• 1907: The C.I.E. declares bankruptcy due to financial issues.

• 1908: The Franco-Ethiopian Railway Company (C.F.E.) is established and resumes construction efforts.

• 1917: The railway line reaches Addis Ababa, marking its official commercial opening.

• 1981: The Djibouti-Ethiopian Railway (C.D.E.) is created as a bi-national entity.

• 2011: The C.D.E. ceases all activity, and previous restoration plans are abandoned.

• 2011: Two Chinese state-owned companies, CREC and CCECC, begin construction of a new railway from Addis Ababa to Djibouti.

• January 1, 2018: Transportation service begins on the newly constructed railway line.

Key dates

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