To enhance transport infrastructure in East Africa, stakeholders have launched a project to upgrade the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) with a $1.4 billion investment. This railway stretches 1,860 kilometers, serving as a key transport corridor between Zambia’s Copperbelt and the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. This is a significant advancement in railway transportation for the region.
Project Details
Investment and Financial Allocation
The project aims to rehabilitate the railway infrastructure and improve operational efficiency, focusing significantly on modernising railway transportation. Funding is allocated as follows:
- $1 billion for track rehabilitation and infrastructure repairs.
- $400 million for the purchase of 32 locomotives and 762 wagons to enhance operational capacity.
Concession Period and Maintenance
- The operating entity will manage the railway for 30 years, with a commitment to regular maintenance and repairs to ensure sustainable operations and ongoing railway transportation improvements.
- The initial rehabilitation phase will last three years, followed by 27 years of operation and maintenance.
Historical Background of TAZARA
China funded the construction of the TAZARA railway in the 1970s to provide Zambia with an alternative export route for its minerals, reducing reliance on ports controlled by colonial governments or apartheid-era South Africa. This historical shift marked an important development in the region’s reliance on railway transportation.The project faced significant challenges during its construction, including rugged terrain and deadly bee attacks, leading to the deaths of more than 160 workers, including 64 Chinese nationals. Over the past five decades, the railway has suffered from neglect, affecting its operational efficiency.
Future Development Plans
The redevelopment plan includes track rehabilitation, improving train efficiency, and upgrading operational systems to ensure sustainable and efficient service. These enhancements in railway transportation are expected to enhance commercial transport between Tanzania and Zambia, contributing to regional economic growth.
Project Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Investment | $1.4 billion |
| Infrastructure Rehabilitation | $1 billion |
| Equipment Purchase | 32 locomotives and 762 wagons |
| Concession Period | 30 years |
| Initial Rehabilitation Phase | 3 years |
| Operation & Maintenance Period | 27 years |
Future Expectations
The project aims to enhance transport services, facilitate regional trade, and improve the efficiency of resource exports from Zambia through the port of Dar es Salaam.
Additionally, it will contribute to local economic growth and infrastructure development in the region through advancements in railway transportation.
