The Tanzania Railway Corporation (TRC) has announced the arrival of the first ever Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains at the Dar es Salaam port, marking a significant leap forward for the country’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project.
This initial set consists of five electric locomotives and three passenger cars, offering a glimpse into the future of passenger transportation in Tanzania.
These state-of-the-art EMUs, purchased from Hyundai Rotem in South Korea, boast impressive features designed for comfort and convenience.
Each train can accommodate up to 589 passengers, whisking them along at speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour.
The new units have prioritized passenger comfort with amenities such as Wi-Fi, designated seating for passengers with special needs, air conditioning, and CCTV cameras for enhanced security.
In a statement, TRC said they expect to receive a total of 10 EMU sets, with the remaining units arriving monthly until October 2024. Additionally, they have already received 65 passenger cars and 9 electric locomotives, further bolstering their fleet.
The arrival of this rolling stock signifies a major milestone for the SGR project. Phase 1, which covers the route from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro (300km) is at 98 percent, Morogoro to Makutupora at 96 percent, Makutopora- Tabora is at 13.98 percent, and Tabora- Isaka at 5.44 percent
While other sections are at various stages of development, with Mwanza to Isaka showing significant progress at 54.01 percent completion, the entire project is expected to be finalized by 2025.
Source: NTV Kenya