Mandate & Functions
Mandate
Under the SLRDRA Act, No. 7 of 2025, the Authority’s mandate is to:
- develop and regulate railways and cable car transportation in Sierra Leone;
- monitor and co-ordinate all activities in the railway and cable car sector; and
- advise Government on the development and management of railways.
Scope. The Act defines a railway broadly as a guided system for moving rolling stock carrying passengers or freight, on a track or cable, on land, underground or in the air. The Authority’s remit therefore covers heavy-haul and general freight railways, commuter and passenger rail, and cable car systems, including their potential for urban mobility on the Freetown peninsula. Construction of railway infrastructure itself is delivered by investment partners through public–private partnership and concession arrangements.
Our Mission
To regulate and develop railway and cable car transport through professional, transparent and accountable regulatory practices that safeguard public safety, promote investment and deliver reliable transport services to all Sierra Leoneans.
Our Vision
To be a leading railway and cable car development and regulatory authority ensuring safe, efficient and sustainable transport systems that connect communities and drive economic growth across Sierra Leone and the sub-region
Core Values
Public Safety First. No commercial, political, or schedule consideration outranks the safety of passengers, workers and communities. Standards are set before operations begin, not after.
Key Functions
Section 12 of the Act sets out the functions of the Authority. In summary, the Authority:
REGULATION AND SAFETY
- regulates railways and cable car transportation;
- regulates and monitors the activities of licensees, concessionaires and operators;
- implements and ensures compliance with the Act and related legislation;
- grants licenses, concessions and leases for the operation of railways, railway services and cable car transportation;
- sets and enforces safety and security standards for the construction and operation of railways and cable cars;
- investigates railway and cable car incidents and takes appropriate action;
- works with other public agencies to prevent rail-source pollution and respond to environmental accidents.
DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING
- promotes the development and management of railways, railway services and cable car transportation;
- holds, administers and improves railway assets;
- initiates, conducts and promotes the studies needed for the sector’s growth, including master plans;
- co-ordinates the implementation of rail transport policies and promotes their integration into the national development plan.
INVESTMENT AND TRANSACTIONS
- exercises ownership rights over assets transferred to operators by Government through the Authority;
- carries out the transactional functions necessary for the growth and sustainability of the sector.
COLLABORATION AND ADVICE
- ensures collaboration with public, private and international agencies;
- advises Government on the development and management of railways;
- liaises with other public bodies to harmonize activities in the railway and cable car transport industry.
Our Core Values
- Public Safety First. No commercial, political, or schedule consideration outranks the safety of passengers, workers and communities. Standards are set before operations begin, not after.
- Integrity and Ethical Conduct. We regulate without favour between operators. Access, tariffs and licenses are decided against published rules.
- Transparency and Open Governance. Standards, tariffs, license conditions and decisions are published, and our annual reports are laid before Parliament.
- Stakeholder Inclusion. Continuous engagement, fair compensation, respect for traditional authorities and local employment are obligations, not concessions.
- National Development Focus. Our plans align with the Medium-Term National Development Plan 2024–2030.
- Continuous Improvement. International consultants and contractors partner with local firms, with capacity building and skills transfer built into every engagement.