Tanzania to Test New 722-Kilometer Electric Train Connecting Dar es Salaam to Dodoma

Tanzania is set to test its new 722-kilometer electric train connecting Dar es Salaam to Dodoma on Sunday, April 21, 2024, as part of the country's 60th anniversary celebrations of the merger of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. The test run, led by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, will include religious leaders from both the mainland and Zanzibar, and will be followed by national prayers.

This marks a significant advancement in Tanzania's efforts to modernize its transport infrastructure and enhance connectivity across the nation. The Dar-Dodoma line is the first and second phase of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, which is expected to run up to Mwanza and Kigoma in five phases, with plans to add connections to Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo as part of the East African Railway Master Plan.

The first phase of the train trial took place on February 26, 2024, from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro. Sunday's test is part of the implementation of an order by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to start SGR train services between the two cities by July 2024.

Why this matters: The completion of the electric train line will greatly enhance transportation and economic ties between Tanzania's largest city and its capital. It also represents major progress in the country's infrastructure development plans and regional integration efforts in East Africa.

"The test run is a dream come true and will go down in the country's history as a transformative development in transportation," said Tanzania Railways Corporation Director General Masanja Kadogosa. He noted that upon completion, the SGR project will significantly reduce travel time and provide a more efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transportation for both passengers and cargo.

Key Takeaways

• Tanzania to test new 722-km electric train from Dar to Dodoma on April 21, 2024.
• Test run marks 60th anniversary of Tanganyika-Zanzibar merger, led by PM Majaliwa.
• Dar-Dodoma line is first phase of Standard Gauge Railway project, connecting to Mwanza and Kigoma.
• Train will enhance transportation and economic ties between Tanzania's largest city and capital.
• SGR project aims to reduce travel time and provide efficient, eco-friendly transportation.