Tanzania begins rehabilitation of the old TRC railway

SHINYANGA: THE Tanzanian government has officially launched Phase Two of the Central Railway Rehabilitation Project, a major strategic initiative aimed at revitalizing the old railway, improving the efficiency of cargo and passenger transport, and strengthening the national economy by making the Isaka Dry Port in Shinyanga Region a key hub for regional trade.

Speaking to journalists today, January 19, 2026, at the Office of the Regional Commissioner in Shinyanga, the Projects Engineer of the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC), Engineer Edwin, said the government has received USD 200 million, equivalent to approximately TZS 500 billion, to fund the rehabilitation and upgrading of the old railway infrastructure. The announcement was made in the presence of the Acting Regional Secretary of Shinyanga, David Lyamongi.

Engineer Edwin noted that the Central Railway was built during the colonial era and has long been in a dilapidated state, which has limited its capacity to efficiently serve both cargo and passenger transport.

He explained that Phase One of the project began in 2014 and was completed in 2022, but it did not achieve all its objectives due to a shortage of financial resources. This led the government to launch Phase Two, which has a broader scope and includes significant upgrades.

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During Phase Two, TRC will undertake various activities, including laying new railway tracks for approximately 392 kilometers along the stretch from Dar es Salaam to Isaka.

In Shinyanga Region, the most extensive work will take place along the Tabora–Isaka section, where all old tracks will be removed and replaced with new, heavy-duty rails capable of handling longer trains and heavier cargo.

The project is expected to increase the efficiency of cargo and passenger transport, reduce transportation costs, and position the Isaka Dry Port as an important center for regional trade and economic activity.