TZ fast-tracks rail upgrade with 600bn/- investment

MWANZA: THE government has allocated 600bn/- to implement projects for both the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the Metre Gauge Railway (MGR), in a bid to strengthen Tanzania’s railway transport sector.

Director General of Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) Mr Machibya Masanja made the announcement during a recent inspection tour by the TRC Board of Directors to assess the progress of the SGR and MGR construction works between Kigoma and Tabora and from Tabora to Mwanza.

Mr Masanja noted that Tanzania’s MGR network spans approximately 2,700 kilometres and ongoing major rehabilitation works are expected to significantly boost railway transport services across the country.

“I believe you have seen for yourselves the pace at which these projects are progressing, just as we had pledged. The government has allocated 600bn/, more than 500bn/- for construction and over 120bn/- specifically for upgrading the MGR,” said Mr Masanja.

ALSO READ: New trail of hope

He added that the government is working to enhance rail infrastructure, citing the section from Kaliua to Mpanda, where the travel time currently takes up to four hours due to the aging railway line.

The upgrade is expected to shorten travel time and improve efficiency. The section will also be connected to the port of Karema to fully leverage the government’s investment in the port.

“The goal is to ensure the port is used effectively, thanks to the government’s commitment to upgrading the railway to higher standards,” he said.

Mr Masanja further explained that the project will benefit Tanzanians, especially farmers, by providing a faster, more affordable and efficient means to transport their produce in large quantities.

According to the 2025/26 budget of the Ministry of Transport, the government has set aside 1.51tri/- for the SGR project.

The funding will support completion of the Morogoro–Makutupora section (422 km), continued construction of the Makutupora–Tabora section (368 km), construction of the Tabora–Isaka section (165 km), continued development of the Isaka–Mwanza line (341 km), Tabora– Kigoma section (506 km) and Uvinza–Musongati line (240 km).

The funds will also support the procurement of equipment including locomotives, wagons, rail maintenance machinery and other operational tools. For the MGR component, the government has allocated 51.28bn/- in external financing in 2025/26 to continue with the rehabilitation of the Dar es Salaam–Tabora railway line.

In addition, feasibility studies and preliminary designs are planned for the rehabilitation of the Tanga– Arusha railway section, covering a distance of 626 kilometres.