• TRC begins phase 2 of the Intermodal and Rail Development Project backed by a $200 million IDA credit
• The project will rehabilitate 2,707 km of meter-gauge railway to improve regional connectivity
• Tanzania aims to become a key trade route for landlocked neighbors, competing with Kenya

Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) has launched the second phase of its Intermodal and Rail Development Project (TIRP II), marking another step in the country’s efforts to modernize its rail system. On Friday, July 18, 2025, TRC’s environmental unit began a series of regional consultations for this phase, which is supported by a $200 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank.

The project focuses on rehabilitating several segments of the meter-gauge railway network, covering a total of 2,707 kilometers. This includes key routes linking Dar es Salaam, Pwani, Dodoma, Tabora, Isaka, and Mwanza. The goal is to boost regional connectivity and improve the flow of goods through an integrated multimodal transport system.

At the same time, TRC continues to expand its standard-gauge railway (SGR) network. Out of the planned 3,196 kilometers, 722 kilometers are already in operation between Dar es Salaam and Makutupora. This includes 181 kilometers of bypass and passing loops. These developments aim to improve domestic mobility and support Tanzania’s ambition to become the main maritime outlet for landlocked countries such as Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Malawi.

However, the long-term plan, which has been underway since 2015, could face competition from Kenya. Kenya is also upgrading its railway and road corridors in a bid to position the port of Mombasa as the leading regional trade hub.