Tanzania’s much-anticipated Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) electric train service connecting Dar es Salaam and Dodoma is poised for its official launch on Thursday, marking a transformative milestone in the nation’s transportation sector. This new rail link is expected to significantly reduce travel times and stimulate regional economic activities.
On its maiden journey, the SGR electric train departed Dar es Salaam station at 6:00 AM, carrying over 900 passengers in 14 carriages, and arrived safely in Dodoma. This initial trip serves as a prelude to the official inauguration ceremony, which will be led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan next Thursday.
Passengers praised the new service for drastically reducing travel time and enhancing punctuality. The express train is expected to complete the Dar es Salaam to Dodoma journey in approximately three hours and 25 minutes, a substantial improvement over previous travel times. This enhancement is anticipated to facilitate the faster movement of goods and people, supporting regional economic integration.
The inauguration coincides with the start of the Nane Nane Agricultural Exhibitions, running from July 31 to August 9. This annual event celebrates achievements in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, underscoring the SGR’s role in supporting major national events and promoting regional participation.
Former President Jakaya Kikwete, who recently traveled on the new electric train from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro, commended President Samia for her commitment to the SGR project. He noted the comfort and efficiency of the service compared to road travel, stating, “I am very pleased to have travelled on this new train. It’s very comfortable. I deliberately chose to travel by train to see the progress we have made.”
The SGR service is expected to drive regional development by improving connectivity between key economic areas. Enhanced infrastructure is likely to attract investment, facilitate trade, and provide a reliable means of travel for both passengers and freight. Improved rail connectivity could also boost tourism and support local economies along the route.
Dr. Kikwete highlighted the broader economic benefits of the SGR, noting its capacity for transporting goods and its potential to further enhance economic activities, especially with future extensions to Mwanza. “The SGR and electric train services offer great benefits due to the shorter travel time, which facilitates various social and economic activities,” he said.
The Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) has reported smooth operations of the SGR service between Dar es Salaam and Morogoro since its launch in June 2024, reflecting the service’s reliability. TRC Director General Masanja Kadogosa affirmed the corporation’s commitment to high operational standards, stating, “We are proud of the smooth operations so far, and we are dedicated to ensuring that the SGR service continues to meet the highest standards of efficiency and safety.”
Safety measures, including restrictions on plastic bags and large unwrapped items, are in place to maintain operational efficiency. Guidelines from the SGR contractor, Yapi Merkezi, emphasize the use of designated crossings and avoiding electrified rail areas to ensure public safety.
Dodoma Regional Commissioner Ms. Rose Senyamule has urged local residents to welcome President Samia at the Mkonze train station, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in this significant event. This engagement underscores the project’s significance to the local population and highlights the role of modern transportation in advancing national progress.
Designed to offer faster, safer, and more environmentally friendly transportation options, the SGR electric trains mark a significant step forward in Tanzania’s development, reflecting the nation’s broader infrastructure development strategy and vision for regional integration.
