Wednesday, May 22, 2024 The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) has announced the resumption of its passenger train services after a 50-day suspension. This service resumption includes the crucial Dar es Salaam-Kapiri Mposhi route, which plays a significant role in facilitating both travel and trade between Tanzania and Zambia. Impact of Suspension on Tourism and Trade The suspension of Tazara train operations had a notable negative impact on the movement of goods and people between the two countries.
Historically, Tanzania and Zambia have enjoyed a robust trade relationship, and the disruption caused substantial losses for many stakeholders involved in this bilateral commerce. Reason for Suspension and Current Status Tazara’s head of public affairs, Mr. Conrad Simuchile, issued a statement on May 21, 2024, announcing the resumption of normal operations.
The suspension was necessitated by severe landslides triggered by heavy rains, particularly in the Mlimba-Makambako area of Tanzania. These natural disasters rendered the mainline impassable, prompting a temporary halt to services to ensure passenger safety and infrastructure integrity. Restoration and Future Outlook The resumption of Tazara train services is expected to have several positive outcomes for both travel and tourism: Tourism Angle and Impacts From a tourism perspective, the resumption of Tazara train services offers multiple benefits:.
