Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) is set to launch cargo operations on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, marking a transformative milestone for the nation’s transport infrastructure.
Following successful trial runs and certification from the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra), the SGR is poised to enhance freight logistics and bolster regional trade.
The final test run occurred on June 2, 2025, with a cargo train departing from Ihumwa in Dodoma, completing trials that began with an initial run from Dar es Salaam on June 1.
“We are now ready to commence commercial operations after receiving Latra’s approval,” said TRC’s Passenger and Freight Wagon Maintenance Manager, Enock Mgonja, as the train returned to Dar es Salaam.
Key SGR stations, including Pugu, Morogoro, and Ihumwa, will serve as loading and offloading hubs, with Dar es Salaam Port acting as the central freight hub.
The cargo wagons, part of a 1,430-unit shipment from China’s CRRC, are integral to a major modernization effort aimed at strengthening Tanzania’s logistics capacity.
The SGR, designed to replace the outdated metre-gauge railway, is a cornerstone of Tanzania’s infrastructure ambitions. The Dar es Salaam–Dodoma route is the first phase of a network that will eventually extend to Mwanza and connect with neighboring East African Community countries, promising reduced road congestion, lower transport costs, and new economic opportunities.
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The trucking industry has welcomed the SGR’s introduction, viewing it as a complementary development. Elias Lukumay, chairman of the Tanzania Truck Owners Association, noted that trucks will remain vital for transporting cargo from SGR endpoints to final destinations, particularly for goods bound for neighboring countries.
“The SGR will stimulate the trucking business by increasing cargo volumes,” he said, citing Uganda’s transport model, where trucks handle only 5 percent of annual cargo.
Similarly, Chuki Shaaban, chairman of the Tanzania Medium and Small Truck Owners Association, emphasized that electric trains will enhance efficiency while trucks continue to provide essential door-to-door delivery. He urged the government to expand the SGR to regions like Mbeya and Kilimanjaro to further drive connectivity and economic growth.
