Tanzania is rapidly modernizing its transportation infrastructure with several initiatives, including the purchase of two new electric multiple-unit (EMU) trains from South Korea.
This addition follows the acquisition of an EMU in April, bringing the total number of EMUs in the country to three. The new electric trains are scheduled to be commissioned by the end of the month.
A report by East African revealed that Tanzania has acquired the new EMUs from one of its key trade partners, South Korea.
“TRC has received a total of 65 passenger wagons, 17 electric locomotives, and three sets of EMU trains; the receipt of the equipment for the SGR operations is ongoing in different phases,” the Tanzania Railway Corporation (TRC) stated.
“The newly arrived equipment will continue to undergo testing for assurance before commencing provision of service.”
These trains are set to be commissioned on July 25th. Each of the new trains, consisting of eight cars, will be deployed on the recently completed standard gauge railway (SGR) line running between the capital, Dodoma, and Dar es Salaam.
This is not Tanzania’s first purchase from South Korea, as the country has previously bought 10 sets of locomotives and coaches from Hyundai Rotem Company.
Additionally, the East African reported that by Friday, the express train running between Dar es Salaam and Morogoro will begin operation.
This express service is designed to reduce the typical four-hour bus commute to just one hour and forty minutes.
The express train will depart Dar es Salaam at 6 a.m. and return at 7:10 p.m., while the Morogoro departure is scheduled for 6:20 a.m., returning at 7:30 p.m., adding four SGR runs each day.
The TRC indicated that it will increase the number of trains based on passenger demand. “Passengers are advised to book tickets on the firm’s website or at the windows inside train stations two hours before the train departs to avoid congestion,” the TRC stated.
