DART phase III cleared after inspections
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Dar Rapid Transit (DART) Phase III project is nearing completion, with stakeholders confirming that most stations and operational systems along the 23.6-kilometre corridor are ready for passenger services following a comprehensive inspection.
Representatives from the DART Agency, TANROADS, Sinohydro Corporation Limited, SMEC International and other stakeholders conducted the inspection earlier this week to assess the completion status of stations and operational facilities along the corridor.
The exercise began at the New Post Office area in Dar es Salaam’s Central Business District and covered all 33 stations that form part of the Phase III route.
DART Director of Transport Development, Engineer Ezron Kilamuhama, said the inspection aimed to verify whether issues identified during a joint assessment conducted in March this year had been addressed ahead of the commencement of operations.
“The purpose of this inspection was to review the checklist prepared during the March 2026 assessment and confirm whether all observations and recommendations have been addressed before the commencement of operations,” he said.
According to Eng Kilamuhama, the team inspected key operational facilities at each station, including ticketing booths, ICT rooms, power backup systems, ICT cable trays, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) rooms, station signboards, electrical installations and floor finishing works.
He said the project is expected to improve urban mobility and strengthen integration with other phases of the DART network once passenger services begin.
The inspection covered stations including Posta A, Posta B, CBE, Peacock, Mnazi Mmoja, Kamata, Banda la Ngozi, Kiuta, Sigara, TAZARA and Mchicha, among others stretching to Gongolamboto and Buguruni.
During the exercise, stakeholders confirmed that most infrastructure components had been completed and were ready for operation.
Electrical systems, communication facilities and station finishing works were found to have met the required standards.
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“We observed that the majority of construction works had been completed according to the project specifications, and only a few minor activities remained outstanding,” said Zhang Cheng, Chief Engineer of Sinohydro Corporation Limited.
The Electrical and ICT Consultant representing SMEC International, Dr Ndyetabura Hamisi, said most ICT and electrical systems had already been installed and tested successfully.
He noted that UPS units had not yet been installed at the stations but would be fitted closer to the commencement of operations to safeguard the systems and maintain efficiency.
“Most ICT and electrical systems had already been installed and tested successfully. The UPS units will be fixed closer to the commencement of operations,” he said.
According to project officials, the main Phase III corridor starts in the city centre and passes through Azikiwe and Maktaba streets, Bibi Titi Road and Nyerere Road via Julius Nyerere International Airport before reaching Gongolamboto.
Another branch extends from Gerezani Terminal through Lindi Street, Shaurimoyo and Uhuru Street to Buguruni, where it joins Mandela Road and Nyerere Road at the TAZARA junction.
