Tanzania to revive northern railway to boost cargo transport

ARUSHA, Tanzania, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania is set to revive the defunct northern railway that connects the seaport city of Tanga to the safari capital of Arusha, a senior official said Wednesday.

Tanzania's minister for Works, Transport and Communication, Makame Mbarawa said the Tanga line will start operating early April next year.

The 438-km rail line stopped offering services 14 years ago.

"Most of our roads doesn't last long because we're using them to transport heavy cargo. That's why we want to improve railway transport across the country," the minister said soon after inspecting the repairs of the line, which have been completed by 83 km.

Mbarawa said the revival works aimed at boosting cargo volume, reducing the freight's transport time and costs and supporting the variety of goods that can be carried by the Tanzania Railways Limited (TRL).

He added that the Tanzanian government plans to buy 11 modern locomotives to boost railway transport.

"Our aim is to ensure that we're investing heavily in the infrastructure sector, an area which is key to the development of any nation," he said.

One of the oldest lines in East Africa, the Tanga line was built during the Germany colonial rule in 1891 to connect the port of Tanga at the Indian Ocean with the Lake Victoria by passing south of the Usambara Mountains. Enditem