The first freight train operating on the standard gauge railway (SGR) has officially begun its journey from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transport sector.

The train, consisting of 10 carriages, is carrying various goods weighing a total of approximately 700 tons. This move fulfills a promise made by the government through Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) to launch freight services on the modern SGR, contributing to the growth of the national economy.

This also marks a historic achievement for the East African Community, as Tanzania becomes the first country in the region to operate a standard gauge electric train transporting both passengers and freight.

The freight train operates at a speed of 120 km/h, slower compared to the 160 km/h speed of passenger trains, but still a crucial step in enhancing the efficiency of the national rail transport system.