Samia to flag off Tabora-Kigoma SGR project
KIGOMA: PRESIDENT Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to launch the construction of the eagerly-awaited 506-kilometre Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line from Tabora to Kigoma, marking another milestone in Tanzania’s railway modernisation programme and opening a strategic transport corridor linking the Port of Dar es Salaam with the Great Lakes region.
The Tabora-Kigoma railway, known as SGR Lot Six, will provide faster, safer and more affordable transport for passengers and cargo while stimulating trade, investment and tourism in western Tanzania and neighbouring countries.
The railway will also strengthen Tanzania’s role as a regional logistics hub by connecting the Port of Dar es Salaam to Lake Tanganyika, providing a key trade gateway to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi, while significantly reducing transit time and transport costs.
President Samia is scheduled to officiate the groundbreaking ceremony during a one-day working visit to Kigoma Region on Monday.
Announcing the visit at a press briefing, Kigoma Regional Commissioner Ambassador Simon Sirro described the project as a game changer that will integrate Kigoma into the national SGR network and transform the region’s economic landscape.
“The implementation of this project will enable fast, safe and affordable transportation for both cargo and passengers,” Ambassador Sirro said.
He said the modern railway would significantly reduce travel time and freight costs while improving the movement of goods and people between western Tanzania and other parts of the country.
According to Ambassador Sirro, the railway is expected to unlock new opportunities in trade, tourism, agriculture, mining and investment by improving access to domestic and regional markets.
“The SGR will unlock economic, tourism and business opportunities for Kigoma and neighbouring countries in the Great Lakes region,” he said.
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Besides launching the railway project, President Samia will also lay the foundation stone for the construction of four new vessels for Lake Tanganyika as part of government efforts to strengthen water transport and enhance regional connectivity.
Ambassador Sirro said the vessels would improve the safety, reliability and efficiency of marine transport while facilitating trade and movement of people among communities living along the lake and neighbouring countries that share its waters.
“The new vessels will enhance water transport, improve safety and stimulate economic activities for people living around Lake Tanganyika and the countries bordering the lake,” he said.
Describing the visit as historic, the Regional Commissioner called on Kigoma residents to turn out in large numbers to welcome the President and witness the launch of the flagship infrastructure projects.
“On behalf of the Regional Government, I invite all Kigoma residents to come out in large numbers to welcome our beloved President and participate in this historic occasion for our region and the nation,” he said.
The Tabora-Kigoma railway forms part of the second phase of Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway project.
Presenting his ministry’s 2026/27 budget estimates in Parliament, Minister for Transport Prof Makame Mbarawa said the SGR is being implemented in two phases. The first phase covers the 1,219-kilometre Dar es Salaam-Mwanza route, while the second phase comprises the Tabora-Kigoma and Uvinza-Musongati sections, with a combined length of 1,590 kilometres.
Upon completion of both phases, Tanzania will have a total of 2,809 kilometres of Standard Gauge Railway, significantly enhancing domestic and regional connectivity, lowering transport costs and supporting economic integration across East and Central Africa.
