First freight train on Tanzania’s SGR begins journey between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma

First freight train on Tanzania’s SGR begins journey between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma

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.