All aboard the sparkling railway breaking new ground for East Africa

In Tanzania, a new electric train service has recently begun, and it is making a significant impact on transportation in the region. The train connects Dar es Salaam, the bustling commercial center, to Dodoma, the capital city, and it does so in less than four hours. This is a remarkable improvement compared to the long hours it takes to travel by road. The new railway is part of a larger project to construct a 2,560-kilometer Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) that aims to link major cities in Tanzania and extend to neighboring countries such as Burundi and Rwanda. The 460-kilometer section from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma opened in August, and President Samia Suluhu has referred to the railway as 'a pathway to our future,' highlighting its importance for the country's development. The train station in Dar es Salaam is designed to resemble the beautiful tanzanite gemstone, which is unique to Tanzania. The glass panels of the station sparkle in the sunlight, creating a modern and inviting atmosphere for travelers. Inside the train, passengers can enjoy a comfortable ride with clean and reclining seats, as well as foldable tray tables. A member of the train crew is available to sell hot and cold drinks and snacks, making the journey even more enjoyable. Gloria Sebastian, a resident of Dar es Salaam, expressed her satisfaction with the new service, stating, 'We are grateful, we are not tired,' as she traveled to visit her family in Dodoma. The train has quickly gained popularity, with around 7,000 passengers using the service daily. Machibya Masanja, who oversees the SGR operations, mentioned that the demand is so high that they are struggling to keep up with the number of trips. He anticipates that the number of passengers will double or even triple in the near future. As a result, it is essential for travelers to plan ahead and book their tickets in advance, as seats can fill up quickly. The cost of an economy class ticket to Dodoma is 40,000 Tanzanian shillings, which is approximately $15, while a business class ticket costs 70,000 shillings, or about $26. The early morning train departs from Dar es Salaam at 06:00, and passengers are required to arrive two hours early for security checks. The security measures at the station are similar to those at airports, with luggage being scanned and passengers undergoing thorough checks before entering the boarding area. While some travelers feel that the security procedures are excessive, the overall atmosphere remains friendly and welcoming. Once on board, passengers can relax and take in the stunning views of the Tanzanian countryside as the train speeds along. The train can reach speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour, providing a swift and efficient travel experience. Passengers are treated to picturesque landscapes, including vast grasslands, lush farms, and winding rivers. For many, this new train service is a welcome change from the old, slower trains that were previously in operation. Bernice Augustine, who traveled with her daughter, shared her excitement, saying, 'It is awesome. You cannot compare it with the old train: it's convenient, it's clean, it’s easy. ' Hilaly Mussa Maginga, another passenger, expressed his relief at the improved travel experience, stating, 'When you have this option to travel for a shorter time, there is a lot to enjoy. ' However, the journey to establish this new railway has not been without challenges. The project began in 2017, with the first section expected to be completed in 2019, but it faced numerous delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and rising construction costs. The total cost of the railway is estimated to be around $10 billion, with the main contractor being a Turkish company, Yapi Merkezi, and Chinese firms working on other sections. Funding for the project has come from the Tanzanian government and various international lenders, including banks from Denmark, Sweden, and China. Mr. Masanja believes that the railway will become profitable once the entire network is completed, but for now, the service is generating enough income to cover operational costs. Additionally, plans are in place to introduce freight trains starting in January, which will further enhance the service's viability. Although the train service has experienced occasional disruptions due to power failures, efforts are underway to build a dedicated power transmission line to ensure a stable electricity supply. The use of electric trains has significantly reduced operational costs, making it more affordable compared to diesel-powered trains. Mr. Masanja proudly stated, 'We are the cheapest in the region, and in Africa, in terms of the cost. ' Despite the positive reception of the new train service, not everyone is pleased. Adam Ally Mwanshinga, the chairman of the Dodoma Bus Terminal Agents’ Union, expressed concern over the decline in business for bus companies due to the popularity of the train. He noted that the bus station, once bustling with passengers, now sees 400 to 500 fewer travelers each day. While bus travel remains cheaper, the convenience and speed of the train have attracted many passengers. Mr. Mwanshinga acknowledged the challenges faced by bus operators but also recognized the benefits of the SGR for the majority of people. He remarked, 'It is the nature of life - there are those who benefit and those who will suffer.