Tanzania-Burundi Rail: $2.15B Project Details, CREC, 2030

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Introduction

Construction has commenced on a $2.15 billion cross-border standard gauge railway connecting Uvinza in Tanzania to Musongati in Burundi, with an expected completion date of 2030. The project, featuring a fully electrified 1,435mm international standard gauge line, aims to enhance transport, investment opportunities, and economic ties between the two countries.

Project Overview

The railway project, initiated with a foundation stone laying ceremony by Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, spans 240km. It is intended to be the first of its kind in the region, supporting East African trade and connectivity. The railway aims to significantly reduce travel times, with passenger travel from Musongati to Dar es Salaam planned to be completed within a single day. Currently, cargo trucks take up to 96 hours to travel from Dar es Salaam to Bujumbura; the railway is expected to reduce this to 20 hours.

Economic Impact and Expansion Plans

Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye highlighted the railway’s role in transporting minerals and outlined future plans to extend the line to Kindu in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, eventually reaching the Atlantic coast of West Africa, thereby establishing a pan-African corridor.

Contract and Implementation

In January, China Railway Engineering Design and Consulting Group, a subsidiary of CREC, signed the contract with Tanzania Railways Corporation for the project. The agreement covers sections 7 and 8 of the SGR. Section 7 involves a 156km segment connecting Uvinza with Malagarasi in Tanzania, while section 8 comprises an 84km link from Malagarasi to Musongati in Burundi.

Project Details

The project includes a fully electrified 1,435mm international standard gauge railway. The railway is expected to be completed by 2030.

Conclusion

The railway project, with a budget of $2.15 billion, will connect Uvinza, Tanzania, to Musongati, Burundi. The railway is expected to be completed by 2030, with the aim of improving transport efficiency and strengthening economic ties. Future expansions are planned to extend the railway to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Atlantic coast of West Africa. China Railway Engineering Design and Consulting Group, a subsidiary of CREC, signed the contract with Tanzania Railways Corporation for the project in January.

Company Summary

China Railway Engineering Design and Consulting Group: A subsidiary of CREC, the company is involved in the design and consultancy for the railway project.

CREC: The parent company of China Railway Engineering Design and Consulting Group.

Tanzania Railways Corporation: The company that signed the contract for the railway project.

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