THE Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) on Tuesday received 264 cargo freight wagons for the standard gauge railway (SGR).

In a statement issued yesterday, TRC noted that the shipment is part of a larger order of 1,430 freight wagons being manufactured by Chinese company CRRC, on the basis of a major contract.

Of the 264 wagons received, 200 are designed to carry containers, while 64 are configured for transporting loose cargo, as components of ongoing expansion of rail transportation services at the local and regional level.

A cargo ship carrying the consignment departed Dalin port in China on November 12, with the delivery of the wagons billed to bolster Tanzania's transport capacity and streamline TRC logistics.

SGR facilities further support the government's broader goal of economic modernization through improved infrastructure, the statement indicated.

“The wagons are a critical addition to the growing SGR network, which is expected to enhance cargo transport capacity and contribute significantly to the country’s economic development,” it said.

Arrival of the wagons takes TRC to proceed with a detailed process for their testing and commissioning, as upon being unloaded at the port, the wagons will be put to a series of trials.

The wagons are first tested while empty and then with cargo, with speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour, as part of rigorous assessment to ensure the wagons meet the performance standards stipulated in the contract.

TRC experts in collaboration with those from the contracting company will oversee the trials until they are satisfied with the performance level noticed, the statement indicated. 

Once the tests are completed, the corporation will set a date for using the wagons for cargo freight, inviting business operators to book for space.

TRC officials see the arrival of the wagons as a major development for the country’s infrastructure, as it races to meet the growing demand for efficient and reliable transport for bulk goods locally and within the region.

The SGR project, part of the broader East African railway network, is expected to enhance trade interaction and improve logistical reliability in the region.

Completing the SGR project, including the delivery and successful operation of expected wagon deliveries, is billed to have a transformative impact on the economy, reducing transport costs, improving trade and boosting efficiency in the transportation of goods across the country, the statement added.