Tanzania has taken a significant leap forward in its transportation infrastructure with the commencement of its first electric standard gauge railway (SGR) commercial operations. This inaugural journey runs from Dar es Salaam to the Morogoro region, spanning 300 kilometers.
\"This is a milestone advancement in Tanzania's transport infrastructure that promises to enhance connectivity and efficiency and stimulate economic growth,\" stated Masanja Kadogosa, Director General of Tanzania Railways Corporation.
In a celebratory gesture, Deputy Minister for Transport David Kihenzile reported that 1,400 passengers traveled from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro on the maiden electric SGR train, free of charge. The train departed Dar es Salaam at 6:10 a.m. local time and arrived in Morogoro at 7:55 a.m.
\"The maiden electric SGR commercial operations between the two destinations was historic,\" Kihenzile added, noting that President Samia Suluhu Hassan covered the fares for passengers as a token of appreciation for the launch.
Kadogosa highlighted that the entire SGR project will extend to 1,596 kilometers, divided into five lots, reaching the Mwanza region. The enhanced speed of the trains, averaging 160 kilometers per hour, is expected to significantly reduce travel times and facilitate the efficient movement of goods and people across Tanzania.
Once fully operational by July 2024, the SGR trains will halve the current travel time between Dar es Salaam and Morogoro, bringing it down to approximately two hours from the existing four-hour bus journey and five-hour train ride on the old meter-gauge railway.
Reference(s):
Tanzania launches first electric SGR train commercial operations
cgtn.com
