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How did the Congo-Ocean Railway connect Brazzaville to the Atlantic coast?

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Physical map of the Congo River basin and its drainage network in Central Africa, showing rivers, major tributaries, elevation gradients, cities, international boundaries, and the approximate boundary of the Ituri Forest. Swamps and flood-prone areas are marked in blue, with symbols indicating waterfalls, rapids, and dams. An inset locator map shows the basin's position within Africa.
Congo River

The Congo-Ocean Railway connects Brazzaville to the Atlantic Ocean port of Pointe-Noire via a line spanning approximately 320 miles (520 km).12

Constructed between 1921 and 1934, the railway was built by the French colonial administration to overcome the barrier to the sea created by the Congo Riverā€™s lower course, where navigation is hindered by cataracts. The project was achieved through the use of forced labor, resulting in a significant loss of life, with estimates suggesting that between 15,000 and 20,000 Africans died during its construction.32

Today, the railway serves as a vital transportation link for the region. It functions as a transshipment route for freight and passengers traveling downriver from inland areas, such as Bangui in the Central African Republic, who transfer to the train in Brazzaville to reach the coast.1