DAR ES SALAAM: DAR ES SALAAM residents are set get a much-needed re- prieve from crippling traffic congestion with a commuter rail system, set to begin construction before the end of this year.
Tanzania Railways Corpo- ration (TRC) Director General, Masanja Kadogosa, announced this yesterday during an online media editors training in Morogoro Region.
The 160 – kilometre railway line, will utilise a combination of elevated and underground tracks to minimise disruption to the city’s existing infrastructure.
The rail line aims to provide a faster, more reliable and less stressful commute for thousands of Dar es Salaam residents.
While specific details regarding construction costs and firms were not available at this time, Mr Kadogosa said the project is necessary for ac- commodating Dar es Salaam’s growing population.
“We are finalising financing arrangements, but one thing is clear, this railway is inevitable for the city’s future,” he said.
TRC Deputy Director General-Infrastructure, Eng Machibya Shiwa, highlighted land acquisition challenges in Dar es Salaam’s dense urban landscape.
“Solutions being considered include elevated tracks in the city centre to minimise costs, designated inner and outer train routes and fencing along certain sections for safety,” he said.
In addition to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania is also developing commuter rail systems in other major cities, starting with Dodoma.
Preliminary designs for a commuter railway in the nation’s capital have been completed, with similar projects planned for Mwanza and Mbeya. “We are not just focused on Dar es Salaam,” Mr Kadogosa said.
“Dodoma is next, followed by Mbeya and Mwanza, ensuring nationwide connectivity.” Specific cost information for these projects were unavailable at this time.
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Tanzania is also advancing its ambitious international railway projects, including a 2.5 billion US dollar Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line from Kigoma to Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This initiative, valued at 5.38tril/-, marks a significant step in East Africa’s infrastructure development.
Mr Kadogosa highlighted Tanzania’s role in supporting regional railway expansion, with ongoing collaborations in Uganda and other neighbouring countries.
The country is pushing forward with an SGR extension from Uvinza through Musongati to Gitega, linking it to the DRC.
Despite security challenges in the DRC, Mr Kadogosa stressed the railway’s potential to drive regional trade and stability.
“Infrastructure development can be a catalyst for peace,” he said.
“This railway will not only transport goods but also bring economic stability to the region.” Tanzania’s southern regions are also poised for growth, with plans for a 2.4 billion US dollar railway expansion.
Financial institutions have expressed interest in funding the project, which Mr Kadogosa said will be vital for transporting coal, iron and other key resources.
Another major project in the pipeline is a 1,053 – kilometre railway connecting Tanga to Musoma via Arusha, aimed at strengthening logistics for mining and industrial activities.
Mr Kadogosa reiterated the importance of a unified national railway network to support Tanzania’s growing economy and boost regional trade.
“This isn’t just about tracks and trains; it’s about progress, connectivity and economic transformation,” he said.
He said these projects represent a significant investment in Tanzania’s future, aiming to enhance both urban mobility and regional trade through strategic railway development.
