Tanzania’s railway story is marked by ambition and setbacks, with the transition from the once-promising Tazara to the contemporary standard gauge railway (SGR) reflecting broader development challenges. Issues such as sabotage and political interference threaten to undermine progress.
The SGR’s early challenges reveal systemic issues that Tanzania must address to avoid a repeat of history. Tazara was once an engineering marvel and an economic lifeline, connecting underserved regions and fostering economic activity.
However, neglect and mismanagement led to its decline, as road transport began to dominate. By the mid-2000s, Tazara had deteriorated significantly, with personal experiences showcasing its fall from grace.
With the SGR, Tanzania aims to reshape its railway narrative, providing modern infrastructure and serving over 5,000 passengers daily, generating substantial revenue. Yet, the shadow of Tazara remains, with incidents like rail vandalism highlighting ongoing challenges.
Vandalism can be addressed through community engagement; however, more complex challenges arise from vested interests that favor road transport and seek to undermine rail’s resurgence. Recent announcements from the Tanzania Railways Corporation indicate increased revenue, yet pressing questions linger regarding the SGR’s commercial viability and cargo business development.
The withdrawal of the Turkish contractor, Yapi Merkezi, raises concerns about project management and the quality of the Chinese replacements. Additionally, the premature shift to diesel engines over electric trains poses challenges to the SGR’s sustainability and economic advantage.
The advantages of rail transport are evident, as efficient railways significantly reduce road damage and congestion while lowering transport costs. The SGR presents an opportunity to alleviate pressure on Tanzania’s highways, which currently accommodate nearly 100,000 lorries.
Addressing critical challenges is essential for success, including improving the efficiency of the Dar port to attract more goods and generate additional revenue. Furthermore, advancing regional integration, particularly with the DRC, could unlock enormous potential for the SGR, with the DRC’s resource-rich provinces benefiting from a direct connection to Dar.
The demand for reliable rail services is evident, with passenger numbers on the reopened northern route rising significantly, indicating a clear public interest in efficient rail travel.
Additionally, the tourism potential of the SGR is promising. Integrating rail routes with popular attractions such as the Serengeti National Park could open lucrative revenue channels, especially if accompanied by investments in luxury services and modern amenities.
The struggle for the future of Tanzania’s railways symbolizes a commitment to long-term development over short-term interests. Success in this endeavor requires modernization of infrastructure, stronger law enforcement, community collaboration, and a direct confrontation of vested interests. The outcome of this railway journey hinges on the lessons learned from the past.
