TAZARA’s Revitalisation Moves Into Action, Promising Safer and More Reliable Rail Services
The Tanzania–Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) has officially entered the active implementation phase of its ambitious revitalisation programme, marking a pivotal moment for regional rail transport in southern Africa. After a year marked by operational challenges—including infrastructure limitations and rolling-stock constraints that disrupted both passenger and freight services—TAZARA’s leadership is now focused on restoring the railway’s reputation as a dependable transport backbone for the region .
In a recent year-end update, Managing Director and CEO Eng. Bruno Ching’andu acknowledged the difficulties faced in 2025, noting the impact on communities, passengers, and freight customers along the corridor. However, he also highlighted the tangible progress made since the official launch of the revitalisation programme in November 2025. The project, supported by TAZARA’s strategic partner China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), has now moved beyond planning, with technical resources, equipment, and personnel mobilised to begin phased rehabilitation works.
Engineering teams are currently conducting detailed infrastructure audits to assess the condition of tracks, bridges, culverts, signalling systems, and other critical assets. These assessments are designed to inform the prioritisation of rehabilitation activities, ensuring that safety, operational impact, and long-term sustainability guide the process. The revitalisation will be implemented in phases, with improvements expected to be progressive rather than immediate. As a result, temporary service adjustments may continue as work advances, but the long-term outlook is one of steady enhancement .
The scale of the revitalisation is substantial. The project includes the procurement of new locomotives and rolling stock, the replacement of hundreds of kilometres of rail, and the rehabilitation of tunnels and other key infrastructure. According to recent reports, the investment package is valued at over USD 1.4 billion, with a significant portion dedicated to track repairs, safety upgrades, and the acquisition of new equipment to boost both freight and passenger capacity.
TAZARA’s leadership has also recognised the resilience and professionalism of its employees during this challenging period, expressing gratitude to customers and the public for their patience and continued support. The authority remains confident that the revitalisation programme will restore TAZARA’s role as a vital regional transport artery, supporting not only passenger movement but also freight logistics and broader economic integration across Tanzania, Zambia, and the wider SADC region .
For Africa’s travel and logistics sector, the active implementation of TAZARA’s revitalisation signals a new era of opportunity. Improved rail services will offer safer, more reliable, and efficient options for both travellers and cargo operators, reducing pressure on road networks and supporting sustainable regional development. As the phased upgrades progress, stakeholders can expect a gradual but meaningful transformation in the quality and reliability of rail transport along this historic corridor—laying the groundwork for renewed growth in tourism, trade, and cross-border collaboration.
