Significant milestone as TRC launches EMU train services

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA Railways Corporation (TRC) yesterday officially launched the Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train service from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma, a move that is expected to boost economic and business activities.

TRC Director General, Mr Masanja Kadogosa told reporters at Dar es Salaam’s Magufuli station that the new EMU service is in response to high public demand, with citizens increasingly choosing rail travel over other modes of transport.

“We have launched EMU service today, we are expanding our services due to the strong public demand. People are leaving their cars and flights to use the train and were very grateful to all Tanzanians. Currently, we are transporting between 9,000 and 10,000 people daily,” said Mr Kadogosa.

Mr Kadogosa added that with EMU express service, four trains will make daily round trips from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma.

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He said that the EMU express train will not stop along the way, unlike other trains that halt in Kilosa, making it ideal for travellers needing a faster journey by reducing travel time by half an hour.

“We are adding more trips, so there will be four trains going and four coming back. This one will travel directly to Dodoma and will accommodate travellers seeking faster service. We want Tanzanians to feel comfortable,” said Mr Kadogosa.

He added: “Our service to Morogoro will remain the same, as we have seen a different trend there. We initially thought that passengers going to Dodoma would fill the Morogoro route, but Morogoro residents fully utilise their train independently. Therefore, we are maintaining the Morogoro train as it is.”

Moreover, Mr Kadogosa highlighted that the EMU train is equipped with essential facilities for people with disabilities.

“We have considered the needs of those with disabilities, including visual impairments and mobility challenges, by adding features like braille, accessible restrooms, nursing areas and baby changing facilities. We work to make our infrastructure and trains inclusive for all,” explained the TRC boss.

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters immediately after the train arrived in Dodoma, Regional Commissioner Ms Rosemary Senyamule described the introduction of the EMU as another milestone in the railway sector.

She said the EMU train saves time and enables passengers to travel more comfortably.

“We are grateful to the service, with the expansion of TRC services, Dodoma continues to gain economically through businesses like transportation and accommodation to passengers arriving at the regional station,” she said.

She said Dodoma receives an average of 3,000 passengers daily from various regions.

Earlier, TRC Mechanical Engineer, Kelvin Kimaro outlined the differences between the EMU and other electric trains, saying the EMU is a unified unit, meaning its parts cannot be separated, unlike other trains that can be divided into sections.

One set of EMU consists of two locomotives and eight passenger coaches with a capacity of carrying 589 passengers and it operates at a speed of 160 kilometres per hour.

The EMU trains are powered by electric traction motors embedded within the carriages, eliminating the need for a separate locomotive.

Eng Kimaro said Business Class features spacious and adjustable seats, while the Economy Class provides comfortable and affordable travel. The EMU also includes a toilet designed for passengers with special needs and amenities for mothers travelling with infants.

The first set of EMUs that arrived in Tanzania in April this year was procured from the South Korean Hyundai Rotem engineering firm. The EMUs are equipped with automatic speed control and can operate on a 20Kv power supply from the grid.

The TRC’s investment in the EMU trains is part of its broader plan to modernise the country’s railway infrastructure and improve transportation services.