Tanzania SGR Standard Gauge Railway project is poised to transform transport across East Africa. This significant step forward in the region’s transport sector was marked by the inauguration of the SGR’s first phase, connecting the commercial hub of Dar es Salaam to the capital city of Dodoma.
Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Zanzibar’s President Hussein Mwinyi, and former President Jakaya Kikwete graced the event, which signifies the importance of this project to the nation’s future.
Tanzania’s SGR: A Leap Forward in Transport Efficiency
The new Tanzania SGR is set to revolutionize travel within the country by drastically reducing travel time. Previously, a bus journey from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma could take up to eight hours. However, the SGR has slashed this time to just over three hours, a reduction that promises to boost economic activities nationwide.
President Samia highlighted the significance of this development, stating that the new electric train service represents a major leap forward in Tanzania’s infrastructure. “The new SGR electric train services signify a major leap forward in the country’s infrastructure, offering increased efficiency and connectivity,” she noted.
Boosting Regional Economic Activities
Reducing travel time is not just about convenience but economic growth. With faster transportation, goods and people can move more efficiently, enhancing trade and connectivity within Tanzania and the East African region. The SGR is expected to play a critical role in regional economic integration, helping to stimulate growth and development across East Africa.
In her remarks, President Samia emphasized the economic potential of the SGR: “This significant reduction of travel time will enhance economic activities by enabling faster movement of goods and people, thus promoting regional connectivity and economic integration.”
Leaders on Board the Maiden SGR Journey
The presence of key leaders on the SGR’s maiden journey underscored its importance to Tanzania’s future. President Samia and several hundred passengers boarded the first commercial SGR train from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma. The event was followed by a second journey, carrying Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi on the same route.
President Mwinyi praised the new service, noting its potential to transform travel within Tanzania. “It is amazing. Travel time with the electric SGR has cut the commute between these two major destinations by more than half,” he said.
Enhancing Freight Transportation
Beyond passenger travel, the SGR is expected to enhance freight transportation in Tanzania significantly. The government has already placed an order for 1,430 additional cargo wagons, which will transport goods between the port city of Dar es Salaam and inland regions, as well as neighbouring landlocked countries like Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
This move is expected to boost Tanzania’s role as a key transport hub in the region, facilitating trade and economic growth across East Africa.
Former President Jakaya Kikwete Praises SGR
Former President Jakaya Kikwete also boarded the SGR on its maiden journey, travelling from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro. He praised the comfort and efficiency of the new train service and noted that improved transport infrastructure will be key to attracting investment and facilitating trade growth in Tanzania.
“I am very pleased to have travelled on this new train. It’s very comfortable. I deliberately chose to travel by train to see our progress,” Kikwete said.
Tanzania Joins East Africa’s SGR Network
With the launch of its SGR services, Tanzania has joined other East African countries already benefiting from fast-speed trains. Kenya, for instance, has been running its SGR services since 2017 with the Madaraka Express, which has significantly improved transport efficiency.
The success of SGR services in the region has even caught leaders’ attention in other countries. Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni was quoted as saying, “Road cargo transport is a wrong method of transport,” highlighting the growing recognition of the benefits of railway transport in the region.
SGR in Ethiopia: A Model of Success
Tanzania’s SGR launch also parallels Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa–Djibouti Railway, an international standard gauge railway that has become the backbone of Ethiopia’s National Railway Network. This railway has been instrumental in providing landlocked Ethiopia with access to the sea, linking the capital, Addis Ababa, with the Port of Doraleh in Djibouti.
The Ethiopia-Djibouti SGR has been a significant driver of economic growth, with more than 95 per cent of Ethiopia’s trade now passing through Djibouti. This success story serves as a model for Tanzania as it seeks to replicate similar benefits with its own SGR.
Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) Ensures Smooth Operations
The Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) is responsible for overseeing the operations of the SGR in Tanzania. So far, the initial service routes have been operating smoothly, including Dar es Salaam to Morogoro and Dar es Salaam to Dodoma.
The TRC’s Director General, Masanja Kadogosa, expressed pride in the smooth operations and reiterated the corporation’s commitment to maintaining high efficiency and safety standards. “We are proud of the smooth operations so far and dedicated to ensuring that the SGR service continues to meet the highest efficiency and safety standards. We focus on delivering a reliable service for all passengers,” he said.
Kadogosa also highlighted the importance of adhering to safety measures, particularly those advised by the SGR contractor, Yapi Merkezi. These measures include using designated crossings and avoiding electrified rail areas to prevent accidents and ensure the longevity of the railway infrastructure.
Conclusion: A New Era for Tanzania’s Transport Sector
The launch of Tanzania’s SGR marks the beginning of a new era for the country’s transport sector. By significantly reducing travel time, enhancing freight transportation, and boosting regional connectivity, the SGR is set to play a crucial role in driving economic growth in Tanzania and across East Africa.
As Tanzania continues to expand its SGR network, it is well-positioned to become a key player in the region’s transport and trade sectors and contribute to the overall development of East Africa.
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