Dodoma is now connected to the new electric rail network
The 258.2 km Morogoro to Dodoma standard gauge railway line was officially inaugurated with a ceremony on July 25, and the first electric passenger train service commenced operations on August 1, with President Samia Suluhu Hassan making the inaugural journey.
Earlier, on June 14, the 201.8 km standard gauge railway line from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro was launched. This new rail service has significantly reduced the travel time for the 460 km journey from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma, cutting it down from 8 hours by bus to approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes by train, depending on the specific service. This single-track railway line is electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz and is designed to accommodate passenger trains operating at speeds of up to 160 km/h. Freight trains can run at speeds of up to 120 km/h.
The line is managed by the national railway company TRC, which has contracted Hyundai Rotem to supply 17 four-axle E6800 electric locomotives and 10 electric multiple units. The state railway infrastructure authority, Reli Assets Holding Co, has awarded a $1.92 billion contract to the Turkish firm Yapı Merkezi to construct the Morogoro to Dodoma to Makutupora 1,435 mm gauge line. Of the total cost, $1.46 billion is financed through a soft loan from Standard Chartered Bank. Construction officially began with a ceremony led by then-President Magufuli in March 2018 at Ihumwa in Dodoma.
August 1, 2024 Tanzania's standard gauge network has been under development since 2012 and is expected to span more than 2,500 route-km once completed, extending inland from the Indian Ocean to serve landlocked central African countries. President Samia Suluhu Hassan remarked, "Following the completion of this line, we have now embarked on constructing new sections from Tabora to Isaka, Isaka to Mwanza, and Tabora to Kigoma.
These extensions will eventually link with neighboring countries, unlocking more economic opportunities for our people." Additionally, the new rail network aims to enhance connectivity and promote economic growth by facilitating easier and faster transportation of goods and passengers. The electrification of the railway line is part of a broader initiative to modernize Tanzania's rail infrastructure, ensuring it meets international standards and supports sustainable development goals. As the network expands, it is anticipated to play a crucial role in regional trade and integration, providing a reliable and efficient transportation route for both domestic and international markets. The ongoing development reflects Tanzania's commitment to improving its transportation infrastructure and fostering economic growth through better connectivity and access to markets.
