INITIAL operations for the electric powered train from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma are expected to kick off June 14, conducted up to July 25 before actual operations proceed.

Transport minister Prof Makame Mbarawa made this affirmation soon after inspecting ongoing construction of overpass bridges and electric multiple units (EMU) in Dar es Salaam yesterday, affirming that test drives are being conducted for electric locomotives and coaches.

 In her 2024 New Year message, President Samia Suluhu Hassan directed that operation of the electric train need to start by July 1, to meet public expectations on the transformative project. These initial operations are meant to verify performance of systems and components, including ticket booking, he said.

The government will ensure that ticket prices are favourable to customers, with EMU services lined up for passengers from Dar es Salaam to major stations such as Morogoro, Dodoma, Tabora, Isaka and Mwanza while the broader locomotive and wagon facility will serve the breadth of designated stations, he explained.

“I call on the TRC management to work out on possible options that will enable customers to book three months tickets depending on customer preference,” he said, urging the public to start booking tickets before operations actually start.

Engineers say that the three overpass bridges will be completed before July 10 for trial operations to be initiated, he said, with TRC director general Masanja Kadogosa elaborating that three locomotives and 28 coaches have undergone test drives, complying with demands of the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA).

Test drives for six other locomotives and 14 coaches were being conducted as demanded by the regulator, he said, pointing out that initial operations demanded first to build staff capacity and coordination of systems to take note if there are shortcomings.

This would build trust in the community about the project when it rolls out, thus ensuring its optimal use, he said, noting that on April 22 Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa launched the first drive test for the electricity powered train.

The designated stretch was the Dar es Salaam to Makutopora portion, which includes the capital, Dodoma section, with the premier stating that the test drive was timely.

The government has invested a lot in transport to enhance connection from the port of Dar es Salaam to inland regions and neighbouring countries, as improved rail infrastructure construction was ongoing in various places, the premier had affirmed.