DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Railway Corporation (TRC) is finalizing a comprehensive ticketing system for the Standard Gauge Railway, set to begin initial operations next month.
The announcement was made by TRC Director General Masanja Kadogosa during the SGR Implementation Committee’s tour of the project from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro.
Mr Kadogosa emphasized that the system aims to provide multiple booking options accessible to both smartphone and basic cellophane users, moving away from the outdated meter gauge railway (MGR) system where passengers had to queue early in the morning to secure tickets.
“We are integrating our systems with local platforms to allow ticket booking through various channels, including a special card,” he explained.
The TRC is also collaborating with financial institutions and mobile telecommunication companies to streamline the ticket purchasing process.
The Tanzanian government recently announced that initial operations will commence on June 14, with passenger transport from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro.
This phase will test all systems before the official launch on July 25. During the tour, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Professor Godius Kahyarara, highlighted the economic benefits of the SGR.
“We will assess how the railway will function and its potential to boost the economy, including supporting livestock and meat processing industries,” he stated.
He noted the efficiency of the electric railway in transporting perishable goods, which will arrive in excellent condition and quality.
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Executive Secretary of the Planning Commission, Lawrence Mafuru, affirmed the project’s progress.
“Our tour confirmed that the railway is ready to start operations from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro,” Mr Mafuru said.
He said the significance of reliable transportation infrastructure in promoting growth across various sectors, including agriculture, industry, and commerce.
Operational trials between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma continue, with the remaining work for the first section, including the completion of overpasses and the installation of gates to prevent unauthorized access to the railway areas, expected to conclude by mid-June.
The TRC has already conducted extensive tests on 28 coaches and three locomotives, ensuring readiness for operation.
The Dar es Salaam – Morogoro section is 97.96 per cent complete, Morogoro – Makutupora is at 96.73 per cent, Makutupora – Tabora at 14.34 per cent, Tabora – Isaka at 5.8 per cent, and Isaka – Mwanza at 57.08 per cent.
The construction of the Tabora – Kigoma section is ongoing, reaching 5.49 per cent, and procurement processes for the Uvinza – Musongati railway are underway, awaiting approval from the African Development Bank (AfDB)
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