After a 15-year hiatus, the urban train service linking Kinshasa’s airport to the city center has restarted, offering a long-awaited alternative to the city’s notoriously congested roads. The Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, is one of the largest cities in Africa, and its traffic is often described as a major challenge for daily commuters. The resumption of the train service is expected to ease the burden on the city’s roads, which are frequently paralyzed by heavy automobile traffic. The train line, which had been out of operation since 2008, was originally intended to provide a reliable and efficient means of transportation for residents and visitors alike. Over the years, the system faced a range of challenges, including technical difficulties, lack of maintenance, and insufficient funding. Now, with the service back in motion, local authorities hope to encourage more people to use public transport instead of private vehicles, which contribute significantly to the city’s traffic congestion. Kinshasa’s traffic problems are not just a local issue—they have economic and social implications as well. Long commute times and unreliable transportation can hinder business operations and reduce productivity. By reintroducing the train, the government aims to promote a more sustainable urban transport model, which could also help reduce air pollution and the overall environmental impact of the city’s transportation system. The return of the train service is part of a broader effort by the Congolese government to modernize infrastructure and improve urban mobility. While the success of this initiative will depend on continued investment and maintenance, the restart of the train represents a significant step forward in addressing one of Kinshasa’s most persistent challenges.