Tanzania to upgrade northern railway to ease traffic congestion
What you need to know:
- The minister for Transport, Prof Makame Mbarawa, says the move is part of broader efforts to improve infrastructure and enhance the efficiency of Tanga Port, which has already undergone significant development
Arusha. The government has announced plans to upgrade the northern railway line in a bid to reduce traffic congestion caused by cargo trucks travelling through Arusha City from the Tanga Port.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, January 8, the minister for Transport, Prof Makame Mbarawa, said the move is part of broader efforts to improve infrastructure and enhance the efficiency of Tanga Port, which has already undergone significant development.
Prof Mbarawa explained that the northern railway, which runs from Dar es Salaam to Arusha, with a branch at Korogwe to Tanga, is a key priority for the government.
Workers remove debris burying the Tanga-Arusha railway line. PHOTO | COURTESY
“Once you upgrade a port, you must also improve supporting infrastructure,” he said.
“We are giving top priority to the northern railway and we will upgrade it to ensure Tanga Port operates at maximum efficiency.”
The minister further revealed that the government had previously allocated Sh420 billion to upgrade Tanga Port, which now surpasses Mtwara Port in operational capacity.
Alongside the railway improvements, the government plans to establish modern inland container depots (ICDs) to store goods destined for various countries.
Prof Mbarawa was speaking during the announcement about the upcoming aviation conference scheduled for April.
The 73rd Africa Region Annual General Assembly of the Airports Council International (ACI), will take place in Arusha from April 24 to 30, 2025.
The government has also allocated Sh11 billion to install lighting at Arusha Airport, enabling it to operate 24 hours a day.
According to Prof Mbarawa, a contractor has already been identified, and the installation is expected to take between eight and nine months.
Arusha Regional Commissioner, Paul Makonda, underscored the importance of the transport sector in driving economic growth and tourism.
He said the railway upgrade would significantly reduce the number of cargo trucks on the roads, which have increased from 60 to 600, leading to congestion and unnecessary accidents.
“We are grateful to the government for the major improvements in the transport sector. Enabling 24-hour operations at Arusha Airport will boost the economy and tourism, while upgrading the railway will help reduce the number of road accidents,” Mr Makonda said.
