Over 10tri/- invested in SGR construction
DODOMA: A TOTAL of 10.8tri/- has been invested through various contracts for the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), a project aimed at providing reliable rail transport services and enhancing the railway sector’s contribution to the country’s economy.
Speaking during the official launch of SGR electric train services between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma held in Dodoma yesterday, Minister for Transport, Prof Makame Mbarawa said that the government has paid 6.3tri/- of the total cost.
Prof Mbarawa said that the government has completed two lots of the railway line covering 722 kms from Dar es Salaam – Makutopora in Singida.
Moreover, he said that the government will continue with construction of remaining lots with 1,560 kms out of 2,200 kms of the construction of the entire railway, making it the longest electronic railway in Africa.
Under the strong and efficient leadership of Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, the railway project will extend beyond the borders of Tanzania.
The seventh lot, which runs from Uvinza to Msongati and Kiteja in Burundi, is currently in the procurement stage.
This section, which will eventually connect to Kindu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is being developed through a collaborative effort between Tanzania and Burundi,” said Prof Mbarawa.
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He also assured President Samia that the ministry is going to implement the construction of the remaining five lots on time and by observing international standards.
The launch of SGR train operations between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma came after Tanzania Railway Corporation (TRC) launched the SGR operations from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro mid-June this year.
New SGR electric train services represent a significant advancement in the country’s infrastructure, promising enhanced efficiency and connectivity.
The introduction of this modern rail link is poised to revolutionise travel within Tanzania by reducing journey times and bolstering economic activities across regions.
SGR electric train services from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma are expected to substantially reduce travel time, with the express train completing the journey in approximately three hours and 25 minutes.
This significant improvement over previous travel times is likely to boost economic activities by facilitating faster movement of goods and people, thus enhancing regional connectivity and economic integration.
