Central East African Railways (Cear) has posted a 52 percent decline in profit to $2.1 million (about K1.6 billion) in the first quarter of 2019.

According to Cear Finance Manager Christina Chithila said the profit declined from $4.4 million (about K3.3 billion), a losss that he has attributed to unmet target for cargo. She also added that Cear’s net debt increased by $41 290 (about K30 million) to $363 256 (about K268 million) during the review period from $321 966 (K238 million) in the corresponding period as a result of third party loans acquired during the years as well as accumulated loan interests.

However, Cear director Gustav Henrique Stein expressed a positive outlook which he said will be based on reduced theft and rehabilitated rail lines from Nkaya to Limbe, Blantyre  and the Nkaya-Kanengo-Mchinji, with the Nacala to Moatize line for increased volumes of cargo.

Meanwhile, Cear transits passengers to local destinations, fares are categorized according to two classes, namely business class and business class. From Limbe to/from Blantyre is K250 in premier class, with K50 more in business class. Liwonde, Balaka and Nayuchi trips can be taken from Blantyre or Limbe, with prices ranging from K1450 minimum to K3500 maximum.