SAMIA@4: How SGR revolutionises transport network

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA’S transport infrastructure landscape is undergoing a historic transformation with the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), a mega-project designed to revolutionise the country’s transport and logistics sector.

The ambitious initiative, aimed at modernising the country’s railway network, has enhanced efficiency, reliability and environmental sustainability while reinforcing Tanzania’s position as a regional trade and transit hub.

Initially launched under the late President John Magufuli, the SGR project has witnessed remarkable progress under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership.

Over the past four years, her administration has demonstrated unwavering commitment to infrastructure development, accelerating construction, securing funding and ensuring operational readiness.

One of the most significant achievements of President Samia’s administration is the commencement of commercial train operations on the Dar es Salaam–Morogoro and Morogoro–Dodoma sections.

Last year, President Samia officially launched the long-awaited electric train service, marking a historic moment in Tanzania’s transportation sector.

The operationalisation of these sections has drastically improved travel efficiency, reducing travel time from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma from ten hours by bus to just three and a half hours by train. This milestone has been widely celebrated by passengers, businesses and policymakers alike.

In Dar es Salaam, the state-of-the-art SGR terminal stands as a symbol of modern rail infrastructure.

Its sleek, glass-panelled design gives it an international airport-like appearance, while the spacious interiors, featuring escalators, digital ticketing systems and comfortable passenger lounges, offers world-class convenience.

The electric trains, powered by an AC system, come equipped with Wi-Fi and other modern amenities, ensuring passengers enjoy a smooth and comfortable journey.

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The positive reception of the Dar es Salaam–Dodoma train service has demonstrated the immense potential of SGR in transforming public transport.

Passengers have commended the trains for their speed, comfort and affordability, with many opting for rail travel over road transport due to reduced travel time, enhanced safety and lower costs.

The SGR project, which spans a total of 1,219 kilometres from Dar es Salaam to Mwanza, is being implemented in phases. Each section plays a critical role in connecting major economic zones in the country.

The current progress of project implementation in the five main sections stands as follows : Dar es Salaam – Morogoro (300 km) – completed and operational, Morogoro – Makutupora (Dodoma) (422 km), Makutupora – Tabora (368 km), Tabora – Isaka (165 km) and Isaka – Mwanza (341 km) – 63 per cent complete. Beyond the central corridor, the government has ambitious plans to extend the SGR network to other regions. Additional sections include Tabora – Kigoma, Uvinza – Malagarasi – Musongati (Burundi) and Kaliua – Mpanda – Karema.

Upon completion, the SGR will establish seamless rail connectivity between Tanzania and neighbouring countries, including Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

This expansion will position Tanzania as a key gateway for regional trade, reducing logistics costs and improving access to international markets.

President Samia’s dedication to the SGR project is driven by its potential to transform Tanzania’s economy.

With nearly 10 billion US dollars (23.3tri/-) invested so far, the railway is already delivering significant economic and social benefits.

The construction and operational phases of the SGR have created thousands of employment opportunities.

To date, over 30,176 direct jobs and 150,388 indirect jobs have been generated.

These jobs have injected approximately 358.74bn/- into the economy, boosting household incomes and stimulating economic activity.

The SGR project has provided a major boost to Tanzania’s construction and manufacturing sectors.

More than 2,460 local companies have been contracted to supply materials, equipment and services. Contracts worth 3.69tri/- have been awarded to Tanzanian firms, driving demand for locally produced cement, steel and electrical components.

For businesses, the SGR is a game-changer. The railway has significantly lowered transportation costs, making it easier and cheaper to move goods across the country and beyond.

The electrified railway reduces reliance on road transport, cutting fuel costs and improving supply chain efficiency.

By reducing logistical expenses,the SGR enhances Tanzania’s competitiveness as a regional trade hub.

The shift from road to rail transport has positive safety and environmental implications. Rail travel is statistically safer than road transport, reducing the risk of traffic accidents.

ALSO READ: SGR expansion to boost connectivity in northern zone

Additionally, the electric-powered SGR trains produce fewer carbon emissions compared to dieselpowered locomotives and trucks, making them a more sustainable and eco-friendly transportation option.

The SGR’s operational success is also reflected in its revenue generation. By September 2024, the railway had transported 645,421 passengers, generating 15.695bn/- in revenue.

These figures highlight the strong public demand for rail transport and underscore the project’s potential to become a self-sustaining economic asset.

With the Dar es Salaam–Dodoma route now operational,focus has shifted to completing the remaining sections of the SGR, particularly the Mwanza–Isaka stretch, which is already 63 per cent complete.

Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) Director General Masanja Kadogosa has assured the public that construction is progressing well, with track laying, station development and electric infrastructure installation on schedule.

In a major breakthrough, Tanzania and Burundi signed an agreement in January 2025 to construct the Uvinza–Musongati SGR,a 282-kilometre railway linking Tanzania with Burundi. The project, estimated at 2.154 billion US dollars (5.6tri/-), is being financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB).

This marks the AfDB’s first-ever investment in East Africa’s railway sector and demonstrates growing international confidence in Tanzania’s infrastructure development plans.