Tanzania President Samia Inaugurates New Standard Gauge Railway

On 1 August 2024, Tanzania, President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, officially launched the highly anticipated Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Project marking a significant milestone in the country’s infrastructural and economic development.

The new railway line spans 722 kilometers and features key stations in Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, and Dodoma. President Dr. Samia led the inaugural train journey from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma, underscoring the project’s significance.

President Samia revealed that the government has invested nearly USD 10 billion (equivalent to TZS 23.3 trillion) in the SGR project. This investment aims to accelerate national development, reduce transportation costs, and cut travel time for cargo and passengers from 9 hours to 3.5 hours between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma.

President Samia highlighted the evolution of the project, which began with discussions among East African leaders during the third phase of government under the late Benjamin Mkapa.

In the fourth phase, the government under H.E. Jakaya Kikwete conducted feasibility studies, and in the fifth phase under the late John Magufuli initiated construction.

The current sixth phase of government continues the project with the philosophy of “work continues.”

“This railway offers numerous benefits: it will protect the environment, create jobs, reduce road congestion, and enhance port efficiency due to its high cargo capacity,” stated President Samia.

She explained that the SGR will significantly boost the efficiency of Tanzania’s ports, particularly the Dar es Salaam port, which will be capable of handling 17 million tons of cargo annually.

President Samia emphasized that the SGR project will stimulate economic activities in sectors such as industry, agriculture, livestock, tourism, and trade. The reliable transport infrastructure will promote industrial growth across the country and enhance trade with neighboring landlocked and regional countries.

She also noted that the SGR will strengthen trade relations with countries served by the Central Corridor, including Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, and Uganda, thereby fostering growth in other economic sectors.

The President commended the Ministry of Transport, the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC), and the contractors for their diligent oversight of this strategic railway project, which embodies the nation’s grand vision and aspirations.

She also urged them to ensure the project’s timely completion and adherence to international standards. “I encourage my fellow citizens to cherish and preserve the SGR as a valuable asset to our economy,” President Samia added.

The President also approved the request from Tanzania Railways Corporation Director General, Mr. Masanja Kadogosa, to name the Dodoma SGR Station after herself. She also named other SGR stations: Morogoro station will be called Jakaya Kikwete, Dar es Salaam station John Magufuli, Tabora station Ally Hassan Mwinyi, Shinyanga station Abed Karume, Mwanza station Julius Nyerere, and Kigoma station Benjamin Mkapa.

The Minister of Transport, Prof. Makame Mbarawa, stated that the sixth phase of government has completed the 722-kilometer SGR segment being inaugurated and has initiated additional construction of 1,560 kilometers. This achievement makes Tanzania the first African country with a long electric-powered SGR.

The Director General of TRC, Mr. Masanja Kadogosa, announced the procurement of various equipment, including 19 electric train locomotives, 89 passenger coaches, 10 modern EMU train sets, and 1,430 cargo wagons. This investment is valued at TZS 1.8 trillion.

He also noted that the corporation has already received 17 SGR locomotives, 65 passenger coaches, and 3 modern EMU train sets.

The Tanzanian SGR has been designed to international standards, earning the country two global awards. Since the commencement of passenger services on June 14, 2024, the SGR has transported 188,000 passengers, averaging 7,000 passengers per day. Passenger services continue between Dar es Salaam and Morogoro, and Dar es Salaam and Dodoma.