ERC Maintenance Workshop

COIPA supports ERC in managing the ERC Maintenance Workshop for railway maintenance

COIPA and ERC Partner to Modernize
Ethiopia’s Railways

COIPA has partnered with the Ethiopian Railways Corporation (ERC), Ethiopia’s national railway operator, to support key infrastructure projects aimed at improving the country’s freight and passenger rail services. A major focus of this collaboration is the development and operation of the ERC Maintenance Workshop, a strategic facility responsible for maintaining ERC’s rolling stock.

The project involves the refurbishment, modernization, and capacity expansion of the existing maintenance facility, which will be carried out through a joint venture company (JVC) formed by ERC, COIPA, and leading European partners in rail maintenance.

Key Objectives

Upgrade and operate ERC’s rolling stock
maintenance workshop
Enhance reliability, safety, and efficiency of rail services
Introduce international best practices and advanced technologies
Build local capacity through training and knowledge transfer

Core Features of the ERC Maintenance Workshop

Preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance of locomotives and rail infrastructure
Refurbishment and repowering of locomotives, wagons, and track machines
Adoption of EU/Italian-standard maintenance schedules and protocols
Integration of digital diagnostics, IoT systems, and telemetry devices
Environmentally sustainable practices and technologies
Advanced software and laser-guided systems for precision operations
Supply of spare parts and provision of technical support services
Comprehensive training programs to develop local workforce expertise

This initiative will serve as a benchmark for modern rail maintenance in Africa, setting new standards of operational excellence and innovation. It will help reduce downtime, improve the reliability and efficiency of railway systems, and promote sustainable rail transport in Ethiopia and beyond, strengthening the country’s role as a regional leader.