Tanzania receives new South Korean SGR electric trains

The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project in Tanzania has advanced significantly with the announcement by the Tanzania Railway Corporation (TRC) of the arrival of the first Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains at the port of Dar es Salaam.

This first set, which includes three passenger vehicles and five electric locomotives, provides an early look at Tanzania’s passenger transportation system.

These cutting-edge EMUs, which were acquired from Hyundai Rotem in South Korea, include remarkable amenities that are intended to provide comfort and convenience.

With a maximum capacity of 589 passengers, each train can travel at up to 160 kilometers per hour.

With features like Wi-Fi, customized seating for passengers with needs, air conditioning, and CCTV cameras for increased security, the new units have made passenger comfort a top priority.

TRC stated in a statement that they anticipate receiving ten EMU sets in all, with the remaining units arriving on a monthly basis until October 2024. To further strengthen their fleet, they have already received nine electric locomotives and sixty-five passenger carriages.

This rolling stock’s arrival marks a significant turning point in the SGR project. Phase 1’s coverage is 98% for the 300km stretch from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro, 96% for Morogoro to Makutupora, 13.98% for Makutopora-Tabora, and 5.44 % for Tabora-Isaka.

The project is anticipated to be completed by 2025, with Mwanza to Isaka showing significant progress at 54.01 percent completion, while other parts are at different stages of development.