Tanzania to Cut Dar Port Truck Congestion with New SGR Cargo Service

Tanzania is set to significantly alleviate truck congestion in Dar es Salaam and boost port efficiency with the launch of a new Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) cargo service. Starting July 1, 2026, over 50,000 containers per month will be transported from the Dar es Salaam port to Dodoma via the SGR.

Dar es Salaam has grappled with persistent truck traffic jams, particularly along Mandela Road, due to the presence of numerous dry ports. Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) Director General Plasduce Mbossa stated that the new SGR service will reduce reliance on road transport for cargo and expedite the movement of goods from the port.

"Starting July 1, we will officially begin transporting containers from Dar es Salaam Port to Dodoma using the SGR railway. This train will transport over 50,000 containers per month," Mbossa announced during a visit by the Parliamentary Committee on Government Accounts (PAC). He noted that the port currently handles between 100,000 and 150,000 containers monthly, a volume that strains Dar es Salaam's infrastructure.

Further enhancing connectivity, the TPA is finalizing the integration of the old Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) with the SGR system. This integration is expected to streamline cargo transportation from the port to various domestic and regional destinations, thereby increasing the port's competitiveness. Mbossa emphasized that ongoing infrastructure and operational system improvements are aligned with increasing cargo volumes and regional market demands, supported by strong collaboration between TPA, TRC, and other stakeholders.