The Dar es Salaam train station in Tanzania is a hub for the Tanzania and Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) Mukuba Express, notorious for its unreliable service. On a recent day, passengers awaited the train’s delayed departure, which is typical given the railway’s history of late trains. The journey spans 1,860 kilometers from Dar es Salaam to Kapiri Mposhi, Zambia, and offers an affordable means for locals and tourists to explore remote areas.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, TAZARA has faced operational challenges due to aging infrastructure and insufficient investment, limiting its freight capacity. Recent years have seen safety concerns escalate with several accidents, including derailments and collisions leading to fatalities.
Despite these issues, a significant investment of $1.4 billion from China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation aims to revitalize the railway over the next three years. This fund will focus on track rehabilitation, new locomotives, and freight cars, ultimately increasing capacity. Passenger services will continue, though some schedules may be disrupted during renovations. With a 30-year concession, the Chinese company will initially manage TAZARA, eventually transitioning oversight back to Tanzanian and Zambian authorities.
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