Tazara Railway Revitalisation Programme Enters Active Implementation Phase

Dar es Salaam – The Tanzania–Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) has announced that its highly anticipated revitalisation programme has entered the active implementation stage, with equipment, technical personnel and essential resources now being mobilized for the ambitious infrastructure upgrade.

The revitalisation project, backed by a $1.4 billion investment, will see comprehensive rehabilitation and operational improvements across the railway network under a 30-year concession agreement. The initiative aims to restore the critical trade route connecting Zambia’s copper belt to Dar es Salaam port.

Tazara Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Bruno Ching’andu confirmed that the programme has transitioned from the planning phase to active implementation, marking a significant milestone in efforts to rehabilitate the ageing railway infrastructure.

"The revitalisation programme, which was officially launched in November 2025, has now moved into its active stage," Ching’andu stated. "Equipment, technical teams and logistical support are being deployed to enable rehabilitation works to proceed."

Engineering teams have already commenced detailed infrastructure assessments across the railway network to identify priority areas requiring immediate intervention. The comprehensive technical audits are examining track conditions, bridges, culverts, signalling systems and other critical assets.

"These technical audits are focusing on the condition of the track, bridges, culverts, signalling systems and other critical assets," Ching’andu explained. The findings will determine the sequencing of rehabilitation works, with safety and operational efficiency serving as primary considerations.

The assessments are designed to ensure strategic deployment of resources, targeting sections of the railway line that present the greatest operational risks or cause frequent service disruptions.

Ching’andu acknowledged that Tazara has experienced a challenging period marked by infrastructure deterioration and rolling stock shortages, which have impacted the reliability of both passenger and freight services.

"This has been a difficult operational period, and we recognise the inconvenience experienced by our passengers, customers and the communities we serve," he said.

However, he emphasized that entering the active revitalisation stage represents a turning point for the railway, while cautioning stakeholders that improvements will be gradual.

"The transformation of Tazara will not happen overnight," Ching’andu noted. "The programme is being implemented in phases, and while there may be temporary service adjustments, the end goal is a safer, more reliable and predictable railway."

The comprehensive revitalisation programme is designed to restore Tazara’s position as a vital regional transport corridor linking Tanzania and Zambia, facilitating passenger mobility, freight movement and cross-border trade.

Ching’andu commended Tazara staff for maintaining operations under challenging conditions and thanked customers for their patience during the transition period.

"Our employees have continued to operate the railway under challenging circumstances, and our customers have shown understanding as we embark on this rebuilding process," he said.

Looking toward 2026, Tazara remains optimistic that ongoing resource mobilization and phased rehabilitation works will begin producing tangible service improvements. The authority expects the revitalisation effort to significantly strengthen operational performance and enhance the railway’s contribution to regional economic integration upon completion.