The TAZARA railway rehabilitation was officially launched during a ceremony in Lusaka marking the commencement of major upgrade works. The launch is expected to improve trade flows, transport efficiency, and economic links between Tanzania, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Southern African countries.
The rehabilitation will involve extensive upgrades to railway tracks, stations, and communication systems along the 1,860km TAZARA line, which spans 975km in Tanzania and 885km in Zambia. The project includes the procurement of 34 locomotives, 760 wagons, 18 coaches, and 2 passenger trains, with the aim of increasing cargo transport capacity to 2.4 million tonnes by the third year of operation. The initiative is expected to stimulate trade within Tanzania and Zambia, promote agriculture, mining, industry, and tourism, and create additional employment opportunities for citizens across the region. The ceremony was attended by the Vice President of Tanzania, Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi; the President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema; the Premier of China, Li Qiang; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport of Tanzania, Prof. Godius Kahyarara; and the Director General of the Tanzania Railways Corporation, Engineer Machibya Masanja, alongside other government experts.
Read more at: https://www.tanzaniainvest.com/transport/tazara-railway-rehabilitation-launch
