Amid the uncertainty over the progress of the joint SGR( standard gauge railway) line on the Northern Corridor, due to lack of funding,Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda governments are revamping the century old meter-gauge railway network. The imitative is aimed at facilitating transportation of goods among EAC neighbors.
Tanzania Railway Corporation’s managing director Masanja Kadogosa said that Phase one of the programme started in early 2018 is complete. It was fully funded by the government at a cost of $2.1 million and covered the northern railway network from Tanga port to Moshi railway station, covering 353km.A section of the line links up Kenya at the junction of Kahe railway station while a branch passing connects to the Mombasa-Kampala line. The total cost of the whole project is estimated at $6.8 million including the purchase of wagons and locomotives.
Kenya, on its part was hoping to launch the second phase of its SGR between Nairobi and Naivasha in August. However, it suffered a setback after failing to secure funding from China. Kenya also plans to revamp its meter-gauge railway to Malaba, supported by a $400 million loan from China.
Uganda has already started upgrading its meter-gauge railway line from Malaba to Kampala at a cost of $170 million. Another stretch, Tororo-Gulu will also get upgraded.
