.jpeg)
The Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) has successfully completed trial tests for 264 freight wagons, a crucial step towards commencing cargo transportation on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
The wagons, which arrived in the country in December 2024, underwent rigorous testing over a period of one month under the supervision of the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA).
The trials aimed to assess the durability and operational efficiency of the wagons in both stationary and dynamic conditions.
The primary focus was on evaluating their performance when the train is in motion, ensuring safety, stability, and compliance with international railway standards.
During the testing phase, LATRA conducted comprehensive inspections on all 264 wagons, which include 200 container wagons and 64 designed for non-containerized cargo.
The regulatory body confirmed that the wagons successfully met the designed speed of 120 km/h while demonstrating excellence in key operational systems, such as braking efficiency and cornering stability.
Eng. Johari Masanja, a senior official at TRC, emphasized the significance of these tests, stating: "The completion of these trials is a testament to the reliability and safety of our freight wagons.
This marks an essential step towards launching SGR cargo operations, which will revolutionize goods transportation in Tanzania."
The braking system, which is one of the most critical components for railway safety, was meticulously evaluated.
LATRA engineers confirmed that the wagons responded efficiently under different speed and load conditions, ensuring optimal safety for both cargo and railway infrastructure.
Following the successful completion of the trials, LATRA is set to issue certification to TRC, granting approval for the wagons to commence commercial freight operations.
This certification process aligns with the legal and regulatory framework governing railway operations in Tanzania.
LATRA’s Director of Railway Transport, Eng. Rahim Suleiman, remarked: "Our inspections confirmed that the wagons meet all necessary operational requirements.
We are now in the final stages of issuing the required certification to ensure compliance with safety regulations before freight services officially begin.
" The certification will not only authorize the commencement of cargo transportation but also reinforce confidence in the safety and efficiency of the SGR system among investors and business stakeholders.
The 264 wagons are part of a larger fleet of 1,430 wagons currently being manufactured by CRRC Corporation of China.
The completion of these trials is a key indicator that Tanzania is on track to launch full-scale cargo operations on the SGR.
This development is expected to significantly boost the country’s logistics sector by providing a faster, safer, and more efficient means of transporting goods across the region.
TRC Director General, Masanja Kadogosa, highlighted the economic benefits of the project, stating: "The introduction of SGR freight services will drastically reduce transportation costs for businesses while enhancing trade efficiency.
This is a game-changer for Tanzania’s economy and the East African region as a whole."
The SGR freight services are expected to reduce dependence on road transport, thereby minimizing traffic congestion and road maintenance costs.
Additionally, railway transport offers a more environmentally friendly alternative, reducing carbon emissions compared to trucks used for long-distance cargo transport.
With the freight wagons now undergoing final approval, TRC is optimistic about the official launch of cargo services in the near future.
The government has invested heavily in railway infrastructure to ensure that Tanzania remains a key player in regional trade.
Minister of Works and Transport, Prof. Makame Mbarawa, expressed confidence in the project’s progress, stating: "SGR is a cornerstone of our national development strategy.
The successful testing of these freight wagons brings us closer to realizing a modern railway network that will facilitate economic growth and regional integration."
Once fully operational, the SGR freight services will link Tanzania to neighboring countries, including Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, enhancing regional connectivity and trade. The project aligns with Tanzania’s vision of becoming a logistics hub for East and Central Africa.
The completion of trial tests for 264 SGR freight wagons represents a major milestone in Tanzania’s railway modernization efforts.
With LATRA’s approval process in its final stages, TRC is now gearing up for the official launch of freight operations.
The successful implementation of this project is expected to transform cargo transportation, making it more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable.
As Tanzania moves towards an advanced railway network, stakeholders in the logistics and business sectors eagerly anticipate the benefits that will come with the full implementation of SGR freight services.
The project is not only a testament to Tanzania’s commitment to infrastructure development but also a significant step towards enhancing trade and economic growth across the region.