The Standing Parliamentary Committees on the Budget and Infrastructure have directed the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) to enhance its monitoring systems and install CCTV cameras to protect critical railway infrastructure from vandalism.

 The directives follows a series of incidents where damage to electrical wiring disrupted services on the new fast train network, causing delays and operational challenges.

Speaking to reporters in Dar es Salaam today, after a meeting between the Parliamentary Committees and TRC management, Selemani Kakoso, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Infrastructure  expressed concern over the growing security threats facing the newly launched fast rail services.

 Kakoso said that the committees had identified significant security vulnerabilities in parts of the railway network.

 He emphasized that the government had made a substantial investment in both completed and ongoing railway infrastructure, and leaving these assets unprotected would be a grave mistake.

“Malicious individuals have been cutting electrical wiring, causing major disruptions to train services in some regions,” he said.

“It is crucial that we address these security gaps to ensure the railway operates smoothly and successfully."he added.

He also highlighted the immense potential of Tanzania’s modern railway system, noting that if properly managed and protected, it could significantly contribute to the country’s economic growth and national development.

Kakoso expressed confidence that once fully operational and secure, the railway could transform Tanzania’s transport landscape, becoming a key driver of economic progress.

Echoing Kakoso’s concerns, Oran Njeza, Chairman of the Parliamentary Budget Committee stressed the economic advantages the railway could bring to Tanzania.

 He noted that the completion of the railway project could elevate Tanzania into one of the leading economies in the region.

“Tanzania has the potential to be the region’s economic powerhouse if the railway project is completed successfully and operates without disruption,” he said.

He further emphasized that TRC's goal of providing reliable, efficient rail services would only be realized if security measures were strengthened to prevent damage to the infrastructure.

Njeza also urged the government to prioritize the integration of Tanzania’s railway network with the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

 He explained that many SADC countries rely on rail access to Tanzania's Dar es Salaam port, and connecting Tanzania’s railway system with those of its southern neighbors could significantly boost regional trade and economic cooperation.

“Improving connectivity will help Tanzania solidify its position as a key transport hub and foster stronger economic ties with neighboring countries, further boosting regional trade,” Njeza said.

Ministry for Transport, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ludovick Nduhiye assured the Parliamentary Committees that their recommendations would be taken seriously.

 He confirmed that the Ministry of Transport would work closely with Parliament to ensure the swift implementation of the recommended security measures.

“We have received the directives from the Permanent Committees on Infrastructure and Budget, and we are committed to working with Parliament to ensure that these security measures are put into action,”he said.