Photo, source: dailynews.co.tz

The Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train marks a new era for Tanzania’s rail transportation, creating a modern, efficient connection between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

A new era for Tanzanian rail transportation began as the Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train started regular service on Friday, completing a three-hour journey between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma. This train service promises to bring enhanced efficiency and speed to Tanzania’s major cities, creating a quicker and more reliable link between the two.

With a seating capacity for 589 passengers, the EMU train operates at speeds reaching 160 kilometers per hour, making it a modern marvel in Tanzania’s rail industry. Its debut journey marked a significant step for the country, showcasing new levels of transit safety and comfort, in contrast to prior services. 

This EMU train, a part of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, symbolizes progress in connecting Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, two of Tanzania’s prominent cities. As Dodoma’s Regional Commissioner, Ms. Rosemary Senyamule enthusiastically welcomed 320 passengers upon their arrival at Dodoma’s Samia Station on this inaugural journey, acknowledging the project’s potential benefits.

Speaking to journalists, Senyamule noted that the improved rail transportation service is already positively influencing Dodoma’s economy, benefitting local businesses like hotels and vendors near the station. The SGR service is expected to bring an influx of visitors, boosting not only local businesses but also the city’s general economic growth and development.

Currently, Dodoma sees around 3,000 daily visitors arriving through various transport methods, indicating the region’s increasing demand for reliable transport. With the new EMU train, Tanzania is better positioned to meet this demand, offering a modern solution for travelers while promoting urban growth in the capital city and beyond. 

The first segment of the SGR project, linking Dar es Salaam to Morogoro, launched in June 2024 and extended to Dodoma by July. This connection brings more efficiency to a region with a rapidly growing population, making it easier for locals to travel within Tanzania’s central and eastern regions.

Economic Impact of Enhanced Rail Transportation

Minister of State in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, reported in Parliament on Friday that the Tanzania Railway Corporation (TRC) has witnessed substantial growth due to the introduction of the SGR service. This development signals a shift in how Tanzanians move, improving accessibility and making daily travel more convenient and affordable for people across the country.

According to Mkumbo, in just three months since the SGR’s recent expansion, TRC managed to transport 645,621 passengers, which generated a remarkable 16.95 billion Tanzanian shillings (TZS) in revenue by September. This revenue highlights the strong demand for the EMU service and reflects the public’s positive response to this advanced transit system.

Rail Transportation Bringing National Pride

He added that preliminary data reveals the SGR is reshaping Tanzania’s transport landscape, emphasizing that the new rail service has instilled a sense of national pride among Tanzanians. Citizens are thrilled to travel on the SGR’s high-speed trains, viewing it as a source of national pride and a sign of the country’s commitment to modernization.

The EMU trains represent a giant leap forward in how people travel across Tanzania, offering an efficient, safer, and more environmentally friendly alternative to older train models. With the SGR project underway, Tanzania aims to reshape its entire transport sector, impacting not only railways but also adjacent services like bus transit and road safety. 

This transformative rail initiative is not just about transit but about fostering stronger regional connections and creating economic opportunities for communities along the route. The SGR project promises to reduce travel time and provide a comfortable experience, further reinforcing Tanzania’s goals of sustainable urbanization and regional integration.

Both local and international observers see the EMU trains as a bold statement on Tanzania’s forward-looking vision for infrastructure. By investing in high-speed rail, Tanzania has taken a step toward providing a robust public transit option, aiming to attract investments and stimulate economic growth.

Additionally, Dodoma’s tourism sector is expected to benefit from this improved transportation, drawing visitors from Dar es Salaam and beyond. The speed and convenience of the new EMU service make Dodoma more accessible, encouraging travelers to explore the city’s cultural sites and attractions. 

As Tanzania embraces the future with the SGR, officials anticipate long-term growth, not only in passenger numbers but also in regional commerce. Enhanced transport networks such as the SGR foster business activities, creating employment opportunities and supporting development in underserved areas.

With continued expansion, the SGR is set to redefine travel in Tanzania, making journeys faster, safer, and more enjoyable. The EMU trains stand as a testament to the nation’s ambition to modernize, emphasizing both progress and resilience in an ever-evolving landscape. Source: Daily News