Cargo transportation on SGR in sight as freight wagons arrive

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is edging closer to commencing cargo transportation through its ambitious standard gauge railway (SGR), following the arrival of 264 freight wagons at the port of Dar es Salaam on 24 December 2024.

The Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) confirmed the development in a public announcement, describing it as a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to enhance its transportation infrastructure and support economic growth.

The wagons, manufactured in China by CRRC, are part of a larger consignment of 1,430 units ordered under a contract aimed at equipping the SGR with state-of-the-art freight solutions.

This latest shipment comprises 200 wagons designed for containerised cargo and 64 for loose goods transportation.

Upon completion of offloading, the wagons will undergo rigorous testing to ensure their readiness for operations.

According to TRC, these trials will verify the performance of the wagons and the railway system, with the wagons set to operate at speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour.

Speaking on the arrival, TRC’s head of public relations, Mr Freddy Mwanjala, said the trials would involve collaboration between TRC experts and contractors to ensure all performance metrics meet contractual standards.

He assured the public that the corporation would announce the official start of operations once the trials are completed successfully.

“This is a significant achievement in our journey towards operationalising the SGR for cargo transportation. The trials are a crucial step in ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency,” said Mwanjala.

The wagons are expected to revolutionise cargo transportation in Tanzania, offering a faster and safer alternative to road transport.

Analysts believe the SGR’s operationalisation will reduce logistical costs, enhance trade competitiveness, and ease congestion on the country’s road network.

The arrival of the wagons follows a November announcement by TRC that the production of the 264 units had been completed. The ship carrying the consignment departed from China’s Port of Dalian on 12 November.

The SGR is a key pillar of Tanzania’s economic development strategy, designed to improve the movement of goods and people domestically and across borders.

Once fully operational, it is expected to play a central role in facilitating regional trade through connections to neighbouring countries, including Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda.

The SGR freight service promises to provide much-needed relief to Tanzanian businesses, particularly in reducing delays and costs associated with road transport.

For containerised goods, the 200 specialised wagons are seen as a game-changer, allowing seamless transportation of goods from the port to inland regions and neighbouring countries.

Additionally, the 64 wagons designated for loose cargo are expected to benefit industries such as agriculture, mining, and construction, enabling the efficient movement of bulk commodities.

The new railway system, which incorporates modern safety and performance standards, aligns with Tanzania’s aspirations to position itself as a transport hub in East Africa.

As the countdown to the commencement of cargo services begins, stakeholders are optimistic that the SGR will usher in a new era of economic transformation for the country.