SGR expansion to boost connectivity in northern zone

DODOMA: THE Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) has announced plans to expand the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) network from Dar es Salaam to Musoma via Tanga, Moshi and Arusha.

Scheduled for completion by 2028, the project aims to enhance connectivity in Tanzania’s northern regions, aligning with the government’s objective to revitalise the rail transport system.

Speaking in Dodoma yesterday, TRC Director-General Masanja Kadogosa revealed that studies on the proposed expansion have already been conducted.

Advertisement

“There are other sections coming as part of the SGR expansion, including the route from Tanga, Moshi, Arusha to Musoma,” Mr Kadogosa stated.

Tanzania’s railway expansion aligns with the country’s industrialisation agenda and aims to boost regional trade by capturing cargo from neighbouring countries.

Last year, Executive Director of the Public-Private Partnership Centre (PPPC), David Kafulila, announced plans to involve private players in three major railway projects, including the northern corridor SGR line from Tanga to Arusha and Musoma.

Estimated to cost $3.3 billion (approximately 8.27tr/-), this project seeks to address transport challenges in the northern corridor by connecting Mwambani Port in Tanga with Uganda via Lake Victoria.

The route will traverse agriculturally rich areas and link mining hubs, fostering economic growth.

Other planned projects include a railway network for Dar es Salaam commuter train services, currently in the pre-feasibility stage, and a 1,000-kilometre SGR line from Mtwara Port to Mbambabay on Lake Nyasa, with a spur connecting the Mchuchuma coal and Liganga iron ore mining fields.

Acknowledging challenges in SGR operations, Mr Kadogosa assured that TRC has implemented comprehensive preparations, including staff training and equipment acquisition, supported by the government.

“This includes extensive staff training and the procurement of essential equipment to ensure operational efficiency,” Mr Kadogosa explained.

The broader vision for the Tanga-Moshi-ArushaMusoma railway includes strengthening trade corridors, improving mobility for goods and passengers and fostering industrialisation.

“We are continuing with construction efforts. Currently, contractors are working on the Makutupora-Mwanza and Makutupora-Kigoma sections. Soon, we will begin construction on the UvinzaMsongati route,” Mr Kadogosa added.

ALSO READ: SGR generates 30bn/- in six months

The Tanga-Moshi-Arusha-Musoma SGR is set to become a critical economic artery, reducing transport costs, enhancing efficiency and opening new markets for Tanzanian products. The first phase of the SGR, connecting Dar es Salaam to Morogoro, launched in mid-June 2024.

This modern electric train service has significantly reduced travel time from three hours to just one, capturing public attention.

On November 2, 2023, TRC introduced the Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train service between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, now transporting 9,000 to 10,000 passengers daily.

With an investment of 23.3tr/- planned over five years, the SGR will enhance Tanzania’s position as a regional trade hub, linking neighbouring countries and promoting cross-border economic collaboration.

During the launch of the electric train services between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, Transport Minister Prof Makame Mbarawa announced that the government had already paid 6.3tri/- towards the total project cost.