By Alfred Zacharia
Dar es Salaam – Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) has celebrated a major milestone, announcing that over 1 million passengers have been transported on the newly inaugurated Dar es Salaam-Dodoma electric railway within just four months since its launch in June 2024.
This impressive achievement doubles the 400,000 passengers carried annually by the former MGR trains, highlighting the transformative impact of modern infrastructure investments in the country.
The electric trains are part of Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, designed to offer fast, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation for travelers and businesses alike.
TRC acknowledged the overwhelming public response, emphasizing how the service is revolutionizing mobility, boosting trade efficiency, and providing a safe, speedy alternative for commuters. The company is committed to further enhancing services and expanding infrastructure to meet growing demand.
Fredy Mwanjala, TRC’s Head of Communications, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to delivering world-class service and urged citizens to protect and support the SGR system, ensuring its sustainability for generations to come.
Tanzania’s electric railway success is setting a new benchmark for regional transport, propelling the country toward significant economic growth. The surge in passenger numbers, with over 1 million riders since June, speaks volumes about the public’s confidence in the service, despite recent sabotage claims aimed at slowing down progress.
Passengers like James Kamala, who commutes regularly, praise the efficiency and safety of the trains, highlighting the convenience it offers in comparison to traditional travel.
"It’s a game-changer," Kamala said. "It’s fast, reliable, and I feel safer." Others, too, echo this sentiment, pointing out how the service has significantly cut down travel time between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma. However, the success has drawn envy from neighboring Kenya, where efforts to establish a similar network have faced delays.
"We are watching with mixed emotions," said Mary Njeri, a Kenyan businesswoman who often travels to Tanzania. "Tanzania’s leap in railway innovation has left us wondering what could have been."
The electric train surge not only showcases Tanzania’s growing infrastructure prowess but also strengthens its position as a regional leader, while also raising the stakes for its East African neighbors to catch up.
