A Comprehensive updates on The construction progress of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line in Tanzania

The construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line in Tanzania has been one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the country's history.

The project is aimed at transforming Tanzania's transport sector and boosting economic growth by providing a faster and more efficient mode of transportation for both goods and people.

The SGR line is expected to run from Dar es Salaam (The country's largest port city) to Mwanza (as Phase One of Construction with Five Lots), covering a distance of approximately 1,596 Km’s as described here. LOT 1: Dar es Salaam - Morogoro (300 km), LOT 1: Dar es Salaam - Morogoro (300 km), LOT 2: Morogoro - Makutupora (422 km), LOT 3: Makutupora - Tabora (368 km), LOT 4: Tabora - Isaka (165 km) and LOT 5: Isaka - Mwanza (341 km). 

The SGR Phase Two starts from Tabora with total of 1,010 km and is divided in three (3) Lots as follows.

LOT 1: Tabora – Kigoma (411 km), LOT 2: Uvinza – Musongati – Gitega (282 km) and LOT 3: Kaliua – Mpanda – Karema (317 km).

Construction of the SGR line began in 2017 and still the construction is on progress. 

However, due to several challenges, including delays in securing funding and land acquisition issues, the completion date has been pushed up to End of 2023 for lot I and Lot II of First Phase of Construction.

Despite the challenges, significant progress has been made in the construction of the SGR line so far as of early 2023, some Construction Lots (Lot I and II of the First Phase) are more than 93% complete, with the track laying, bridge construction, and electrification works all well underway.

See the Table below for the Construction Updates (As end of April, 2023).

The construction of the SGR line has not only d thousands of jobs for Tanzanians but has also provided a significant boost to the country's construction industry.

The project has also provided opportunities for local businesses to participate in the supply of goods and services, including building materials and equipment.

Once completed, the SGR line is expected to reduce transportation costs significantly and improve the country's competitiveness in the global market. 

The new railway line will be able to carry larger and heavier cargo than the existing Narrow-Gauge Railway / Meter Gauge Railway (MGR), which will increase Tanzania's capacity to export goods to other countries.

In conclusion, the construction of the SGR line in Tanzania is a massive project that will have significant implications for the country's transport sector and economy as a whole.

Despite the challenges faced during its construction, significant progress has been made, and it is expected that all the projects will be completed according to the standards and specifications, providing a faster and more efficient mode of transportation for both goods and people.

Prepared by Hamisi Jumanne Maulid of Tanzania.