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The Tanzania Railway Corporation (TRC) has made a significant stride in its Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) initiative with the arrival of the country’s first Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains at the Dar es Salaam port.
This inaugural shipment, comprising five electric locomotives and three passenger cars, heralds a transformative era in Tanzania’s railway infrastructure.
Acquired from Hyundai Rotem in South Korea, these cutting-edge EMUs boast advanced features aimed at enhancing passenger experience and comfort.
Capable of accommodating up to 589 passengers each, these trains can reach speeds of 160 kilometers per hour, ensuring swift and efficient travel across the nation.
Key amenities onboard include Wi-Fi connectivity, designated seating for passengers with special needs, air conditioning, and CCTV surveillance for heightened security.
TRC has disclosed plans to acquire a total of 10 EMU sets, with subsequent deliveries scheduled monthly until October 2024. Moreover, the corporation has already received 65 passenger cars and 9 electric locomotives, further augmenting its rail fleet.
The introduction of this modern rolling stock marks a significant milestone for the SGR project, which is progressing steadily. Phase 1, spanning from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro (300km), nears completion at 98 percent, while Morogoro to Makutupora stands at 96 percent. Other sections, including Makutopora-Tabora (13.98 percent) and Tabora-Isaka (5.44 percent), are also underway.
Notably, significant progress has been made on the Mwanza to Isaka route, with completion reaching 54.01 percent. With ongoing efforts, the entire SGR project is slated for completion by 2025, promising to revolutionize Tanzania’s transportation landscape.
