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The Tanzania–Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring safe, reliable and affordable passenger rail services as part of its broader transformation and revitalization agenda.
Speaking on the resumption of cross-border passenger train services between Tanzania and Zambia, effective February 10, TAZARA Managing Director, Bruno Ching’andu, said the move aligned with the Authority’s founding mandate to connect people, markets, and economies.
“TAZARA was established to connect people, markets, and economies. The restored cross-border passenger service supports regional trade, tourism, and people-to-people movement while reaffirming our founding mandate as we mark 50 years of operations,” Ching’andu said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
He explained that the resumption of services follows a period of suspension in June 2024 due to technical and operational challenges and forms part of a targeted reorganisation of operations aimed at ensuring inclusivity, sustainability, and service reliability.
“As part of this reorganization, passenger services between Dar es Salaam and New Kapiri Mposhi will be rationalised, with weekly trips reduced from four to two. This allows us to consolidate coaches and locomotives to strengthen core passenger services, particularly the Mukuba and Udzungwa services, which focus on cross-border and local travel, respectively,” Ching’andu said.
He added that TAZARA’s broader revitalisation agenda included acquiring new passenger coaches and locomotives to enhance service quality and reliability.
“With the acquisition of new coaches, the number of train journeys between Tanzania and Zambia will be increased to achieve an optimal customer experience,” he said.
Ching’andu emphasized that the reorganization priorities aimed to optimize limited rolling stock while maintaining safety, affordability, and operational reliability.
The Mukuba service would continue to serve both local and international passengers between Dar es Salaam and New Kapiri Mposhi, while the Udzungwa service will focus on local travelers between Kilombero and Makambako.
“The adjustment in service frequency reflects the realities of operating an aging fleet undergoing phased rehabilitation. Our priority is to deploy available coaches and locomotives where they deliver the greatest public benefit,” he said.
The restored cross-border service is a key step in rebuilding confidence in passenger rail travel and advancing TAZARA’s long-term mission to support regional mobility, trade, and tourism.
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