Once completed, passengers will travel from Musongati to Dar es Salaam in a day.
by Blue Africa News
Tanzania and Burundi have marked a historic milestone with the official launch of the Uvinza–Musongati standard-gauge railway (SGR), a cross-border project expected to cut transport costs by up to 70% and boost regional integration.
Launched on August 15, the first cross-border SGR in East Africa is estimated to cost US$2.15 billion, with a construction period of five years.
Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye and Tanzania Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa witnessed the laying of the foundation stone for the over 240 km railway project.
“This is a turning point in Burundi’s path to regional integration,” said Ndayishimiye, according to local media.
“Once completed, passengers will be able to travel from Musongati to Dar es Salaam in a single day,” Majaliwa. emphasised.
“Currently, cargo trucks take up to 96 hours to reach Bujumbura from Dar es Salaam. With the railway, that journey will be reduced to just 20 hours.”
Ndayishimiye said his country is rich in mineral resources.
“Many asked how we would transport the minerals. This railway is the answer.”
China Railway Group Limited is the main contractor. Features of the new railway line will include a 1 435 mm international standard gauge, full electrification system and five stations along the railway from Tanzania to Burundi.
Plans are already in place to extend the railway to Kindu in Eastern Democratic Republic Congo (DRC) and eventually to West Africa’s Atlantic Coast, upon its completion in 2030.
According to Burundian civil engineer, Elvanie Kagwiza, the project is a game changer.
“Very excited to see this project taking shape!” she said, in her reaction to the launch of the project.
“This railway is more than just infrastructure—it is a game changer for Burundi and the region. A historic step towards sustainable development and greater connectivity for Burundi.”
In December 2024, President William Ruto of Kenya announced the extension of Kenya’s SGR from Naivasha to Uganda, Rwanda and (DRC), a move he said aimed at enhancing bilateral ties among the East African nations.
“We have agreed with Uganda, Rwanda and DRC that the SGR will be extended from Naivasha to Uganda, and Rwanda to DRC so that in a few years, they too can use the SGR when they want to come to Mombasa,” he said.
Uganda has already laid the groundwork for the project, with the construction of the SGR set to begin in phases, starting with the Malaba to Kampala line in January, 2026.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni stated that the SGR line would reduce the transportation of goods from Mombasa to Kampala, from 14 days to 24 hours.
Oliver Ochieng, Blue Africa News