Morogoro. The Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) has announced plans to construct a modern urban commuter rail network (CRN) in Dar es Salaam.
This strategic initiative is designed to alleviate the city’s burgeoning traffic congestion and enhance urban mobility.
TRC director general, Mr Masanja Kadogosa, said the CRN project will provide residents with a dependable and efficient alternative to the current, often overburdened, road transport infrastructure.
Speaking during a working session with social media journalists in Morogoro on April 3, 2025, Mr Kadogosa disclosed that comprehensive feasibility studies and preliminary designs for the CRN have been finalised, with funding arrangements presently being negotiated.
“The construction of an urban railway in Dar es Salaam is a necessity. We are prioritising railway infrastructure development to improve efficiency for the public,” he said.
The proposed network will integrate suburban areas with the city centre, key commercial districts, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and employment hubs, thereby fostering improved connectivity and accessibility.
Mr Kadogosa revealed that the preliminary design and feasibility studies have been completed, with funding arrangements underway to commence implementation soon.
He added that the Dodoma railway project was at a similar stage, with construction expected to begin before Dar es Salaam, followed by Arusha and Mbeya.
This phased approach reflects the TRC’s broader strategy to modernise and expand Tanzania’s rail infrastructure, aligning with national development goals.
Several international entities, including Alstom, have expressed considerable interest in participating in the development of the CRN.
This engagement underscores the project’s significance and potential impact on the region.
The CRN initiative complements the TRC’s ongoing Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, a cornerstone of Tanzania’s infrastructure modernisation programme.
Mr Kadogosa confirmed that contracts related to the SGR, thus far, amount to Sh29.58 trillion, illustrating the scale of investment in the nation’s railway sector.
In addition to domestic infrastructure development, Tanzania, through the TRC, is actively engaged in regional capacity building.
The corporation is currently providing specialised railway training to personnel from Burundi, reinforcing Tanzania’s strategic position as a pivotal transport hub within East Africa.
This initiative highlights the nation’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation and enhancing transportation capabilities across the wider East African Community.
The CRN and SGR projects are vital components of Tanzania’s long-term infrastructure development, and aim to boost economic growth and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
