The government of Tanzania, through the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC), has started using new high-speed electric trains. These trains can move at speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour.
TRC's Director General, Masanja Kadogosa, spoke during a press conference to explain what the corporation has achieved over the past four years under the current government. He said, “TRC signed a contract with South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem on July 14, 2021, to purchase the 17 electric train locomotives, which have now been delivered and started providing services as of December 2024.”
The 17 locomotives are already in the country and have begun operations. In addition, TRC also received 10 sets of Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) from Hyundai Rotem. These passenger trains have already arrived and were tested before starting services.
To support cargo transport, TRC also made a deal with China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) to get 1,430 freight wagons. By December 2024, 264 of these wagons had already arrived and were being tested.
TRC has also added more passenger coaches to improve service. Kadogosa said that 71 coaches were received from companies in South Korea and Germany. The remaining 18 are expected to arrive within this year.
While new Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) lines are being introduced, the older railway system is not being ignored. TRC is continuing to improve the Meter Gauge Railway (MGR).
This includes fixing the railway lines between Dar es Salaam and Isaka, and also the line from Kaliua to Mpanda. A new bridge is also being built between Godegode and Gulwe to strengthen the railway system.
