Dar es Salaam. Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) has announced its readiness to commence Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) cargo operations between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, signalling a major milestone in the country’s transport sector.
This announcement follows successful trial runs and certification from the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra), marking a significant step towards modernising and improving freight logistics.
The second and final test run took place on 2 June 2025, departing from the Ihumwa area in Dodoma. TRC officials declared the trials complete and confirmed that commercial operations are now set to begin.
“This was the second trial, following the initial run on 1 June from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma. We are now prepared to start operations after receiving Latra’s approval,” said TRC Passenger and Freight Wagon Maintenance Manager, Mr Enock Mgonja, shortly before the cargo train returned to Dar es Salaam.
TRC Senior Transport Officer, Mr Masha Twaha, added that cargo will be loaded and offloaded at key SGR stations, including Pugu, Morogoro, and Ihumwa, with Dar es Salaam Port serving as the central freight hub.
The freight wagons, manufactured in China by CRRC, are part of a 1,430-unit shipment under a major modernisation project aimed at boosting Tanzania’s logistics capacity and enhancing regional trade.
A milestone in Tanzania’s SGR journey
The launch of cargo services on the SGR marks a pivotal moment in Tanzania’s infrastructure development. Designed to replace the ageing metre-gauge railway, the SGR is one of the country’s most ambitious infrastructure projects in decades.
The Dar es Salaam–Dodoma route is part of a broader network that will eventually extend to Mwanza and beyond, linking Tanzania with neighbouring East African Community countries. The new line is expected to ease road congestion, reduce transportation costs, and create new economic opportunities nationwide.
With cargo operations between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma now ready to commence, the vision of a faster, safer, and more efficient rail network is becoming a reality.
Trucking industry welcomes move
When the government announced plans to introduce cargo wagons to the SGR last year, concerns were raised about the potential impact on the trucking sector. However, industry stakeholders see the development as complementary rather than competitive.
In a previous interview with The Citizen, Tanzania Truck Owners Association (Tatoa) chairman, Mr Elias Lukumay, pointed out that in Uganda, only 5 percent of the 370,000 tons of cargo handled annually is transported by trucks, with the rest moved by other means. This, he said, indicates untapped potential for transport diversification.
Mr Lukumay said the arrival of the SGR would stimulate the trucking business. “A substantial amount of cargo arriving at Dar es Salaam Port is destined for neighbouring countries. Trucks will take over where the train stops, transporting goods to their final destinations,” he explained.
He also noted that industry players are monitoring the SGR’s progress closely to explore integration opportunities through the Open Access Regulations 2024, aimed at increasing cargo volumes entering the country.
Similarly, Tanzania Medium and Small Truck Owners Association (TMSTOA) chairman, Mr Chuki Shaaban, said electric trains will improve overall efficiency, but trucks will remain essential for door-to-door delivery.
“Most cargo arriving at Dar es Salaam Port is destined for neighbouring countries. If investors know there is a fast and reliable SGR, shipments will increase, creating more work for trucks,” he said.
Mr Shaaban also urged the government to expand the SGR network to other regions, including Mbeya and Kilimanjaro, to boost national connectivity and economic growth.
