Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) has tested its first electric train with speeds of over 160 kilometers per hour on the newly launched Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
This marks Tanzania’s huge step to modernize its transport infrastructure that boosts connectivity in the country.
With the new electric trains, Tanzania is now being ranked among countries with most advanced cargo and passenger railway systems in Africa and the world.
Tanzania’s electric trains are made in Korea while the SGR was constructed with a partnership with Chinese and Turkish railway construction companies.
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The high speed electric trains will significantly reduce time spent on traveling and facilitate faster movement of goods across Tanzania.
In addition, the electric trains are also expected to improve Tanzania’s economy, and enhance trade connectivity with neighboring countries.
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After testing the trains, the SGR will soon be operational despite a few delays in completion, especially along the Dar es Salaam – Morogoro section.
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A video posted on TRC social media pages shows the electric train being tested through Pugu in Dar es Salaam to Soga in the coastal region of Tanzania.
Tanzania had contracted Chinese and Turkish railway construction companies to construct the electric SGR at a cost of Tsh26 trillion.
