Tanzania Experiences Service Disruption on Newly Launched High-Speed SGR Line Highlighting Early Operational and Technical Challenges: New Update

Published on October 25, 2025

Tanzania’s newly launched high-speed Standard-Gauge Railway (SGR) has experienced a temporary service disruption following a train derailment near Ruvu station, highlighting the early operational and technical challenges of the ambitious project. The incident, which occurred as a train traveled from Dar es Salaam to Ruvu, caused no injuries or fatalities but prompted an immediate suspension of services for safety inspections and investigation. Officials have attributed the disruption to operational hitches, signaling that while the SGR represents a major step forward in modernizing passenger and freight transport, maintaining reliable operations and stable power supply remains a critical challenge in the network’s initial phase.

A derailment on Tanzania’s electric Standard-Gauge Railway (SGR) near Ruvu station temporarily disrupted services between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma on Thursday morning. Authorities confirmed that no passengers sustained injuries and there were no fatalities. The incident prompted an immediate suspension of train operations to ensure safety and allow a comprehensive investigation.

The derailment occurred around 8 a.m. as the train departed Dar es Salaam en route to Ruvu station. All affected train services were halted while technical teams conducted inspections of the train, tracks, and associated infrastructure. Officials described the cause of the derailment as “operational hitches,” with a dedicated team reviewing power supply, track conditions, and mechanical systems to identify any contributing factors.

The railway corporation expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to travelers and emphasized that passenger safety remains its highest priority. Measures are being implemented to restore normal services as swiftly as possible while maintaining rigorous safety standards.

This incident highlights some of the early operational challenges facing Tanzania’s newly launched SGR network. The 541-kilometer railway, inaugurated in August 2024, links the capital Dodoma with Dar es Salaam on the coast. Constructed at a cost of $3.1 billion, it is a central part of a larger 2,561-kilometer standard-gauge network planned across the country. The railway is designed to modernize passenger travel, enhance freight transportation, and strengthen regional trade connections with neighboring East African nations.

The SGR is a transformative project for Tanzania’s transport infrastructure. It significantly reduces travel time between Dodoma and Dar es Salaam, providing high-speed, electric-powered trains capable of carrying both passengers and cargo efficiently. Freight operations to inland regions began in June 2025, facilitating smoother logistics and improving the flow of goods across the country. However, the derailment underscores the need for careful operational management as the network continues to develop.

A critical factor in the SGR’s smooth operation is a stable power supply. Past service delays have occasionally been linked to power disruptions, highlighting the importance of reliable energy connections for the electric railway. Officials are closely examining power supply stability as part of the ongoing investigation into the derailment.

Beyond improving transportation, the SGR plays a key role in supporting Tanzania’s economic growth. By connecting urban centers with interior regions, the railway enables faster trade, lowers transportation costs, and attracts investment. It also strengthens Tanzania’s position as a regional trade hub, facilitating the efficient movement of goods to and from neighboring countries.

Authorities have reassured passengers that all necessary steps are being taken to resume full operations safely. Safety protocols are being rigorously applied, and inspections across the railway network are ongoing to prevent similar incidents in the future. Travelers on the Dar es Salaam–Dodoma route are advised to follow official updates for service schedules while the investigation continues.

The derailment serves as a reminder of the challenges involved in operating a modern, high-capacity rail system. While the SGR represents a significant leap forward in Tanzania’s infrastructure development, incidents like this emphasize the need for ongoing maintenance, operational oversight, and reliable support systems such as electricity supply.

As investigations proceed, the focus remains on restoring uninterrupted services, ensuring passenger confidence, and enhancing the long-term reliability of the network. The success of Tanzania’s SGR is considered crucial not only for domestic transport but also for supporting broader economic ambitions and regional trade integration.