TRC expands Isaka freight transport capacity
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) is looking forward to deploy additional trains and wagons to Isaka Dry Port due to the rising cargo volumes from regional traders, which drive demand for more rail services.
According to TRC Director General Engineer Machibya Shiwa, the corporation is considering the move due to the request by businessman Ghalib Said Mohamed (GSM), the private investor operating the dry port, to increase train services at the facility, which is currently served by three trains from Dar es Salaam.
Eng Shiwa was speaking during an inspection visit led by the corporation’s Board Chairman, Jaffer Machano. The TRC boss said the corporation will continue expanding railway services as cargo volumes increase, creating more opportunities for traders from Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda to transport goods through Isaka instead of travelling to Dar es Salaam.
“Traders from Rwanda, Burundi, the DRC and Uganda will now be able to transport their cargo through the private investor without having to go to Dar es Salaam,” he said.
He said Isaka Dry Port forms part of TRC’s broader strategy to strengthen freight transport through both the Metre Gauge Railway (MGR) and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
The corporation is also constructing and expanding cargo terminals and dry ports in Kwala, Morogoro, Isaka, Mwanza and Kigoma to accommodate growing freight volumes. Eng Shiwa said the investment programme is being driven by demand, with additional trains and wagons to be introduced as cargo traffic continues to grow.
“Significant investment is currently underway, and we expect to start seeing results on the Standard Gauge Railway by the end of next year. The government’s intention is not to stop because investment in TRC is being made according to demand,” he said.
He said TRC and GSM were also discussing further investment in cargo-handling equipment and operations at Isaka to improve efficiency and meet increasing demand.
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“Therefore, it is not only infrastructure investment, but also investment in operations to meet our needs as a country,” he said.
Eng Shiwa said TRC leased Isaka Dry Port to GSM to accelerate development of the facility and improve cargo-handling operations through private-sector participation.
He called on more private investors to partner with TRC in developing railway infrastructure and logistics services, saying stronger collaboration would help expand trade and economic activity across Tanzania and the wider East African region.
The partnership, he said, is in line with the National Development Vision 2050, which encourages publicprivate partnerships to drive investment and economic growth.
“TRC will continue working closely with local traders and other stakeholders to strengthen the railway network as a key link for trade and transportation within the country and neighbouring states,” Eng Shiwa said.
GSM Isaka Dry Port Manager Isack Kenyata said cooperation between the government, TRC and the private sector had accelerated operations at the facility.
He said the dry port currently receives three trains from Dar es Salaam, adding that increasing the number of train services would further improve cargo handling and meet the growing needs of traders using the route.
