Exciting developments are underway as African Country Tanzania prepares to introduce its first-ever electric train, a groundbreaking initiative set to revolutionize the country’s railway system. The culmination of extensive testing has confirmed the electric train’s remarkable speed of 160 km/h, marking a significant leap forward in the realm of modern transportation.
In a landmark move towards sustainable and efficient transit, Tanzania entered into a strategic contract in 2021 with Hyundai Rotem and Sing Sung Rolling Stock Technology. This agreement entails the delivery of 17 cutting-edge electric locomotives and 80 electric trains, constituting a transformative addition to the ongoing Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) network project. The total investment in this visionary endeavor amounts to an impressive $295.65 million.
The electric locomotive that recently underwent successful testing represents the first-ever South Korean-manufactured locomotive specifically tailored for Tanzania. At the core of this initiative lies the SGR project, initiated in 2017, with the overarching goal of modernizing the outdated railway infrastructure, and replacing the colonial-era meter gauge.
Currently in its advanced stages, the first and second construction phases have achieved remarkable progress, with completion rates exceeding 90%. This spans a length of 722 km, promising a new era of efficient and high-speed rail connectivity. Moreover, the visionary expansion plans include extending the SGR network to reach Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Anticipated benefits upon project completion include a substantial 40% reduction in road congestion and freight transport expenses. The SGR network aims not only to enhance connectivity within Tanzania but also to foster regional integration, opening doors to increased economic opportunities and collaboration.
As Tanzania embarks on this transformative journey, the introduction of the electric train is set to redefine the landscape of transportation, emphasizing sustainability, speed, and connectivity for the nation and its neighboring countries. Join us as we usher in a new era of progress, efficiency, and innovation in Tanzania’s railway system.
