Tanzania Launches Key Segment of Modern Railway Network

Tanzania inaugurated a 541-km standard gauge railway on Thursday, connecting its commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, to the administrative capital, Dodoma. Built by Turkish firm Yapi Merkezi, the $3.1 billion project is part of a larger government initiative to enhance transport infrastructure.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan officiated the launch by flagging off the electric train services in Dar es Salaam and taking a four-hour journey to Dodoma. The new railway line aims to improve domestic and regional trade upon the completion of the entire 2,561-km network.

While African governments are rapidly developing infrastructure like roads, railways, and bridges, critics warn that loans from countries such as China may burden future generations with debt.