The Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) board has commended progress on the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) linking Makutupora to Mwanza, but called on contractors to accelerate works to keep the project on schedule.
The call was made by TRC Board Chairman Jaffer Machano after leading board members on an inspection of construction works along three sections of the SGR project—Makutupora-Tabora, Tabora-Isaka and Isaka-Mwanza.
Mr Machano said the inspection had allowed the board to assess progress on the ground and engage TRC management and contractors on the status of the project and challenges affecting implementation.
“We have visited sections three to five and we are pleased with the progress of construction. We expect the month-on-month pace of implementation to remain positive and on an acceptable trajectory,” he said.
Despite the progress, Mr Machano said contractors needed to increase their pace of work, including introducing additional night shifts, to ensure the project is completed within the agreed timeframe.
“We have directed them to increase the pace and add night shifts. We have discussed this with them and agreed that they will be able to complete the work within the planned timeframe,” he said.
TRC Director General Machibya Masanja Shiwa said construction was progressing across the three sections, with no part of the project having been completely halted.
He identified work within major urban centres as one of the challenges facing implementation, citing the presence of existing infrastructure and settlements along the railway corridor.
Mr Shiwa said the relocation and compensation of people affected by the project were necessary in some areas to create room for construction.
On the Isaka-Mwanza section, he said construction was progressing steadily, with various works under way at different sites along the route towards Mwanza.
He said preparations for the project began in 2020 before construction gained momentum, although implementation had faced challenges associated with global economic conditions and the availability of construction materials.
“We want to ensure that this project continues to progress well. We will also take weather conditions into account when planning construction programmes so that they do not hinder the work,” Mr Shiwa said.
He added that TRC was working with contractors and engineers to address challenges as they emerged and ensure construction maintained the required pace.
During the inspection, the board assessed key components of the project, including railway infrastructure, bridges and stations, as part of efforts to monitor implementation and identify areas requiring intervention.
The Makutupora-Mwanza SGR forms part of the government's plan to establish a modern railway network to improve the movement of passengers and cargo, reduce transport costs and support economic activity.
The Isaka-Mwanza section was 68 percent complete as of February 2026, according to TRC, with the government targeting the start of modern passenger train services between Dar es Salaam and Mwanza by 2028.