TAZARA Railway embarks on a new chapter after Zambia, Tanzania, and China inked a $1.4 billion contract for railway upgradings as well as acquisition of new rolling stock for the strategic transport belt.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

TAZARA Railway: Reconstruction and Modernization of Africa’s Key Line
Photo: thevaultznews.com

TAZARA Railway Reconstruction and China’s Investment

The project involves the rehabilitation of the 1,860-km alignment between Kapiri Mposhi and Dar es Salaam. Core works will be executed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation under CRCC.

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Investments amount to $1 billion on modernizing tracks as well as on rolling stock worth $400 million. The agenda offers 34 locomotives, 16 coach passengers, as well as 760 wagons for freights. Reconstruction will take two years.

The railway was also a crucial export artery for Zambian copper since it connected the landlocked nation to Dar es Salaam port without passing southwards through apartheid South Africa.

Historical Contribution of TAZARA Railway and Future Prospects

TAZARA Railway was inaugurated in 1975 when it was the largest overseas infrastructural project by China during that era. It was an epitome of sino-African friendship that minimized Zambia’s dependence upon political ostracized South Africa.

Nevertheless, by the 1990s, new routes in shipping redirected regional trading flows, and the railway began a slow decline. In recent decades, traffic dropped dramatically, as did infrastructural condition.

Now, the rebuild holds geopolitical significance. Tanzania and Zambia seek a revival in transit flows, as China solidifies its African presence.

Operator Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) will retain the line. Upgrading will reduce delivery periods, logistics expenses, as well as generate new employment positions.

It brings faster copper exports and more utilization of natural resources for Zambia. It reaffirms its status as a regional clearinghouse for Tanzania.

Thus TAZARA Railway upgrade is more than an infrastructural project as it is a strategic measure toward regional development. When African countries and China invest together, they give an inkling regarding reshaping the trade flows.

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What is TAZARA Railway?

TAZARA Railway constitutes a 1,860-km link between Zambia and Tanzania’s capital port port Dar es Salaam. It was constructed in 1975 with the help of China and constitutes one of Africa’s flagship projects.

When will TAZARA Railway be under reconstruction?

The project has already commenced. It will require around two years for its reconstruction with a total investment of $1.4 billion.

Can TAZARA Railway be used for cargo transit?

Yes. Following the modernisation the railway will once more be a prime export artery connecting faster and cheaper transport to East African port improvements.

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