Tanzania: Tanzanian Sinks $56.2m in Equipment for Upgrading 188km Tanga-Ruvu MGR Line

What the report says

Tanzania’s government has bought equipment worth $56.2 million to rehabilitate the 188-kilometre metre-gauge railway between Tanga and Ruvu Junction, according to Daily News, which said the plan is aimed at improving rail transport and preparing for a possible extension toward Kilimanjaro and Arusha regions. The announcement was made in Parliament in Dodoma by Deputy Minister for Transport David Kihenzile during a question-and-answer session.

The issue came up after Tanga Urban MP Kassimu Mbaraka asked about government plans to upgrade the route from the Port of Tanga in order to increase cargo volumes through the port. Kihenzile said the equipment was acquired during the 2025/2026 financial year to support the rehabilitation work on the line.

He added that the next stage would be preparations for extending the railway farther inland, with the broader goal of improving passenger and freight services and making the Port of Tanga more efficient. The ministry also linked the project to future travel needs, including rail transport for visitors arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport during the Africa Cup of Nations, who could then continue on to Arusha by train.

The upgrade reflects Tanzania’s wider efforts to strengthen rail infrastructure. In general, metre-gauge railways remain important for cargo movement and regional connectivity in East Africa, especially where ports and inland towns depend on efficient links.