Tanzania Transport Minister inspects SGR
The Minister of Transport, Prof. Makame Mbarawa, conducted a visit to the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) from the Tanzanite International Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Station to Banana in Dar es Salaam on May 24, 2024.
The purpose of the visit was to assess the progress of the SGR project and the readiness to commence international standard train services from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma, observing how the TRC is preparing to fulfil the promise made by H.E. President Samia Suluhu Hassan to start passenger train services in July 2024.
Minister Mbarawa discussed the advancements in the SGR, particularly regarding the modern electric train (Electric Multiple Unit – EMU), which is being prepared for trials. He also reviewed the railway line that extends to the port for cargo handling.
“Tunnels are complete, and the remaining task is to lay the embankment for the train,” said Hon. Mbarawa.
Additionally, the Minister of Transport stated that all ferries must be completed by June 10, including those at Vingunguti, Airport, and Gongo la Mboto, which are in various stages of construction, such as paving, compacting ballast, and installing side barriers. This is to ensure preliminary passenger train services between Dar es Salaam and Morogoro by June 14, 2024.
“We have allowed enough time to ensure all systems, including ticketing and operations, are in order to eliminate any challenges and ensure everything runs smoothly before the official commencement of services between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma on July 25, 2024,” explained Prof. Mbarawa.
Minister Mbarawa also addressed passenger train fares, stating that the pricing process is being overseen by the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA), and the set prices will consider the economic conditions of Tanzanians.
“This will be a model train, and we urge Tanzanians to turn out in large numbers to use it,” said Hon. Mbarawa.
The TRC Director General discussed the remaining tasks for the first phase from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro, including the completion of three overpasses, with two expected to be finished by May 31 and the third by June 10. Other tasks include the completion of gate installations along the fence, and testing of ICT systems, signals, and communications. For the port-bound route, the embankment and the ferry at Nyerere Road will be ready by June 30, with trial operations progressing well.
“Twenty-eight carriages and three locomotives have completed trials and are ready for operation, with ongoing trials for 14 carriages, one EMU set, and six locomotives,” added Director Kadogosa.
Under the Ministry of Transport, TRC continues to oversee the SGR project to achieve the goal of starting services from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma by July 25, 2024, as per the directive of H.E. President Samia Suluhu Hassan for passenger train services by July 2024.
