Tanzania Bolsters Railway Modernisation with New South Korean Trains
Tanzania has significantly advanced its railway modernisation efforts with the arrival of two state-of-the-art electric multiple-unit (EMU) trains from South Korea.
The Tanzania Railway Corporation (TRC) announced that these new trains, each featuring eight carriages, mark a pivotal step in enhancing the country’s rail infrastructure.
According to the TRC, the newly acquired trains will be deployed on Tanzania’s standard gauge railway (SGR) route, connecting the bustling commercial hub of Dar es Salaam with the nation’s capital, Dodoma. The eagerly anticipated service is set to commence on July 25.
In an effort to further improve transit times, an express train service has been launched between Dar es Salaam and Morogoro.
This new service will dramatically reduce travel time from the current four hours by bus to a swift one hour and 40 minutes.
Daily African Times gathered that the express train will depart from Dar es Salaam at 6 a.m. and return at 7:10 p.m., while from Morogoro, it will leave at 6:20 a.m. and return at 7:30 p.m. This addition will bring the total number of daily SGR trips on this route to four.
Regular trains, which will make stopovers along the route, will operate with departures from Dar es Salaam at 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., and from Morogoro at 9:30 a.m. and 4:20 p.m.
The TRC has indicated that they will adjust the number of trains in operation based on passenger demand.
“Passengers are advised to book tickets on the firm’s website or at the windows inside train stations two hours before the train departs to avoid congestion,” the TRC advised in a statement.
Tanzania has procured a total of 10 sets of locomotives and coaches from Hyundai Rotem Company of South Korea.
Each train set comprises eight wagons, with locomotives positioned at both ends, and has a capacity to carry 589 passengers while travelling at speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour.
With the recent additions, Tanzania now possesses three EMUs, following the arrival of the first set in April, which has been utilised for test runs.
The TRC announced, “TRC has received a total of 65 passenger wagons, 17 electric locomotives, and three sets of EMU trains; the receipt of the equipment for the SGR operations is ongoing in different phases.”
The corporation also noted, “The newly arrived equipment will continue to undergo testing for assurance before commencing provision of service.”
This strategic investment underscores Tanzania’s commitment to modernising its railway network, aiming to connect with other African countries within the subregion by providing faster, more efficient, and comfortable travel options for its citizens and visitors alike.
