The Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) has taken a transformative step by expanding electric train services from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma. It is an important move and is said to redefine the rail travel segment of the country. TRC Director General Masanja Kadogosa announced the addition of four daily trips between the two cities.
The electric multiple units (EMUs) are designed to make travel quicker and more comfortable. It is to reduce travel time from three and a half hours to about three hours. It is equipped with an innovative L-foil design to improve aerodynamics and the trains signify a new era for the country’s standard gauge railway (SGR). TRC mechanical engineer Edgar Bakuza said that the technology enhances acceleration and making travel smoother as well as time-efficient.
Impact of the services extends beyond convenience as with up to 10,000 passengers are using the route daily and the increased capacity comes as a boon to a transport system under strain. The commitment of TRC is to meet the demands that include plans for additional EMUs. It basically aims to anticipate and support Tanzania’s growth needs as more citizens turn to rail for daily commuting.
The pricing structure is 120,000/- for business class and 150,000/- for VIP class. This has sparked conversations about accessibility as the rates are targeting higher-income passengers.
The project is about transit and highlights vision of the government for nationwide economic integration. President Samia Suluhu Hassan highlighted it during the inauguration of the SGR in July.
The expanded rail services of TRC are a promising move toward a connected Tanzania. The country is improving its transit landscape and also laying down tracks for a future of interconnected opportunities.
