US$ 300 million for Tanzanian rail

The World Bank has approved funding of US$ 300 million to support the Government of Tanzania’s efforts to improve the country’s rail infrastructure.

The funds will support upgrades to the Dar es Saalam-Isaka section of the East African Central Corridor, as well as strengthening Tanzania’s rail agencies’ ability to manage the infrastructure, the traffic operations, and the network regulation.

The Intermodal and Rail Development Project will support relaying rail tracks, building new intermodal terminals and repairing or reconstructing bridges.

The World Bank said the project was the first step to the eventual upgrade and expansion of the broader Central Corridor transport network.

Philippe Dongier, World Bank country director for Tanzania, said, “The location and the size of Tanzania, its mineral and agricultural resources, its tourism potential and its critical role as a transport hub for its landlocked neighbours, provide unrivalled opportunities for the development of modern transport infrastructure and services.”