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Why SGR train is Tanzania economic game changer

DAR ES SALAAM: ECONOMISTS and business analysts have lauded the pre-launching of the electrified train route from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma, anticipating a tremendous boost in business and production in major cities and across the country.

They commended the government for its efforts to ensure the project is completed by 100 per cent from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma, saying the move indicates that the remaining phases from Dodoma to other parts of the country will also be completed as scheduled.

“It is a dream that has turned into reality, it is something that all Tanzanians must be proud of,” said a business analyst and Lecturer at the Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), Dr Sylvester Jotta.

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He told the ‘Daily News’ during an exclusive interview on Thursday that to make dreams come into reality, it takes a lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline and effort.

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According to Dr Jotta, the government has gone through all these procedures. Dr Jotta was commenting on the socio-economic impacts that the modern electric Standard Gauge Railways (SGR) that now links the two cities will have on people and the nation.

The pre-launching of the electric SGR service on Dar es Salaam-Dodoma route was done on Thursday, paving way for the official launch which is scheduled to be graced by President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan by the end of this month.

In that regard, he said, it is a prestige for all Tanzanians to have the state-of-the-art electric train which will elevate the infrastructure status of the country in Africa and the global at large.

Dr Jotta said by connecting the country’s business hub of Dar es Salaam with Dodoma, which is the country’s administrative capital, the SGR will result to rapid growth of trade between the two cities.

He anticipated the electric train to considerably hasten expansion of the two cities.

Under the CCM’s 2020- 2025 Election Manifesto, the government is directed to promote a modern, integrated, inclusive and competitive economy based on industrial, economic services and enabling infrastructure.

Strategic infrastructure like electric SGR is critical on helping citizens to carry out their activities efficiently and effectively.

The SGR is also well highlighted in the National Five-Year Development Plan spanning from 2021/2022 to 2025/2026, stating that the completion of the project would help to boost both social and economic activities in the country.

The construction of the railway started in 2017 with two slots between Dar es Salaam and Makutupora in Singida region.

The first slot covers a total of 300 km between Dar es Salaam and Morogoro while the second slot covers a total of 422 km between Morogoro and Makutupora, according to the National Five-Year Development Plan.

Economist Dr Isaac Safari said that the electrified train will catalyse competition in the transport sector encompassing buses and aircrafts’ owners who can opt to cut fare in favour of their customers in bid of conquering the market.

Dr Safari said the electrified train will contribute into diversification of the economy of Morogoro, Dar es Salaam and Dodoma where the train is plying and thus unlocking new investment opportunities ranging from real estate development including hotels and restaurant for guest travellers.

Furthermore, he said the fastest and affordable modern train will cut many hours used by citizens to travel to and from Dodoma.

He said the saved hours can be spent on economic production.

On his part, Dr George Mutalemwa an expert in planning and development urged the government to improve infrastructure in rural areas to stimulate economic activities and thus development.

The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) electric train made its maiden trip from Dar es Salaam station at 06:00 am on Thursday and arrived safely in Dodoma carrying over 900 passengers in 14 carriages.

Tanzania Railways Corporation Director Masanja Kadogosa, said that the reoperation trip serves as an introduction to the official inauguration ceremony, which will be presided over by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, next Thursday.

Passengers on the maiden journey praised the new service for drastically reducing travel time while enhancing their punctuality.