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Optimism high as SGR freight services beckon
What you need to know:
- Tanzania Railway Corporation is poised to commence cargo transportation on the standard gauge railway in April
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania Railway Corporation (TRC) is poised to commence cargo transportation on the standard gauge railway (SGR) in April, prompting optimism among business leaders who anticipate faster and more cost-effective logistics across the country.
The government last December received a shipment of 264 state-of-the-art freight wagons at Dar es Salaam Port. Manufactured in China, these wagons form part of a larger order of 1,430 units aimed at enhancing efficiency in cargo transportation along the SGR.
The consignment comprises 200 specialised wagons for containerised cargo and 64 for loose goods.
Following their arrival, the wagons have been subjected to rigorous performance testing, reaching speeds of up to 120kph. TRC officials are confident that the SGR will soon be operational, significantly reducing transport costs, alleviating road congestion, and boosting regional trade with neighbouring countries.
This milestone is expected to transform Tanzania’s economic landscape by providing a faster, safer, and more efficient freight transport solution, particularly for key industries such as agriculture, mining, and construction.
TRC head of public relations Freddy Mwanjala confirmed on Monday that once the tests are completed—ensuring both empty and loaded wagons operate efficiently at 120kph—cargo operations will officially begin.
“The plan is to commence transportation within four months, starting from January this year,” he said. “Once the necessary tests are completed and the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) gives final clearance, full operations will begin.”
National Business Community (JWT) chairperson Hamis Livembe expressed optimism regarding the SGR’s positive impact, particularly for the Lake Zone and Western Zone regions, as goods will now be delivered directly to Dodoma instead of the traditional long-haul route via Dar es Salaam.
“The SGR has already reduced travel time for passengers to these regions, and now it will do the same for cargo,” he noted. “This will ease congestion, reduce truck traffic, and make logistics more efficient.”
Although transport costs remain under review, Mr Livembe added that the business community is hopeful that rail-based transport will provide a more affordable alternative to road freight.
Kariakoo Business Community chairperson Severine Mushi said, “While trucks can take a whole day or longer to deliver goods, SGR shipments will arrive within hours. It’s that efficient.”
Transport expert Zacharia Mganilwa echoed these sentiments, emphasising that in addition to cutting costs and delivery times, the railway would also extend the lifespan of the country’s roads by reducing heavy truck traffic.
Prof Mganilwa, formerly the head of the National Institute of Transport (NIT) and now based at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), noted that the new cargo service would open economic opportunities and simplify trade.
“For instance, cement in Dar es Salaam sells for Sh17,000, while in the Lake Zone regions, the price ranges between Sh23,000 and Sh25,000. With the SGR transporting goods to those areas, prices will decrease,” he explained.
He further added that with lower transport costs, businesses could still turn a profit while offering products at more competitive prices, ultimately benefiting consumers.
“Our roads, which require significant investment, will also last longer as fewer trucks will be needed for cargo transport.”
