Tanzania Launches Inaugural Test Run on Dar es Salaam to Dodoma Standard Gauge Railway

Tanzania has commenced the first test run on its Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line connecting the major port city of Dar es Salaam and the capital, Dodoma. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa presided over the inaugural journey, marking a significant milestone in the Tanzanian Government's $10 billion SGR International Strategic Railway program.

Scheduled to officially start operations in July, the new railway's first journey carried local religious leaders to mark Tanzania's 60th anniversary with a trial passenger run. Prime Minister Majaliwa noted that the launch symbolizes a significant achievement for Tanzania, while acknowledging the final steps required before the official launch. He reiterated the government's commitment to open the 627 km line by July 2024, highlighting that 65 of the 89 ordered passenger carriages had already arrived.

The Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) confirmed the delivery of nine out of 19 new locomotives for passenger and cargo services, along with one of the 10 Hyundai Rotem Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) on order. While the commencement of passenger trials is a significant achievement, the TRC emphasized its eagerness to initiate cargo operations on the line due to their economic potential.

TRC Director General Ndugu Masanja Kungu Kadogosa expressed the organization's anticipation for the cargo carriages, citing the substantial economic opportunities they will bring. The continued development of the Dar es Salaam to Dodoma line exemplifies Tanzania's significant investment in rail infrastructure, which has also been bolstered by a $200 million World Bank loan to enhance the existing rail line from Dar es Salaam to Isaka.

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