Tanzania has officially commenced operations of its Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) freight service, following a series of successful test runs earlier this month, marking a significant leap in the country’s transport and logistics infrastructure.
The Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) confirmed the development after completing two final trial journeys between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma on June 1 and 2. The tests were supervised by the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) and assessed the train’s braking systems, speed, and ability to handle curves.
TRC’s Passenger and Freight Wagon Maintenance Manager, Enock Mgonja, said the corporation is now ready to begin full operations. “With LATRA’s certification, we are prepared to officially launch the freight service,” he said.
Freight operations will involve loading and offloading cargo at designated SGR terminals in Pugu, Morogoro, and Ihumwa, with Dar es Salaam Port serving as the central hub for inbound and outbound goods.
The trial runs involved 264 freight wagons—200 for containers and 64 for loose cargo—reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h. These wagons are part of a broader order of over 1,400 units from Chinese manufacturer CRRC Qiqihar Rolling Stock Company, aimed at strengthening the country’s transport capacity.
TRC Director-General Masanja Kadogosa said the launch is part of the government’s wider vision to modernize rail infrastructure and decongest Tanzania’s roads. “This marks the beginning of a more efficient, safer, and environmentally friendly freight system,” Kadogosa said. “We are working closely with agencies like the Tanzania Revenue Authority and Tanzania Ports Authority to ensure smooth operations.”
The freight service follows the rollout of the SGR passenger line between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma in August 2024, which reduced travel time from nine hours to just under three. The government says the freight line will help reduce transportation costs, support industrial growth, and improve trade links across East Africa.
Once fully operational, the SGR freight trains will transport up to 10,000 tonnes per trip, the equivalent of 500 trucks, significantly easing pressure on Tanzanian highways.
Tanzania plans to expand the SGR network further west to Mwanza and Kigoma, and ultimately link it to neighbouring countries including Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, positioning the country as a regional trade and logistics hub.
