Construction of the Central Corridor Standard Gauge Railway
USD 7,500.00M
Total Cost
87.5%
Progress
4
Stakeholders
4
Countries
Financial Close
Project Stage
Project Overview
Construction of a standard gauge railway (SGR) along the Central Corridor connecting Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) to Kigali (Rwanda) via Isaka, with extensions to Gitega-Musongati (Burundi) and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, establishing an efficient rail transport backbone for the region.
Key Objectives
Develop a modern standard gauge railway along the Central Corridor to enhance regional connectivity and reduce transportation costs; provide landlocked countries (Rwanda, Burundi, and eastern DRC) with efficient and reliable access to the port of Dar es Salaam; stimulate economic development along the corridor through improved logistics and market access; enhance competitiveness of regional exports through reduced transport costs.
Strategic Importance
The Central Corridor SGR represents a transformative infrastructure project for East Africa, creating an efficient transport backbone connecting coastal Tanzania with Rwanda, Burundi, and eastern DRC....
Technical Specifications
Technology: The railway employs standard gauge (1,435mm) technology with diesel traction initially and provision for future electrification. Design features include modern signaling and train control systems, significant structures (bridges and tunnels) to navigate challenging terrain, intermodal terminals at key locations, and advanced communications systems.
Capacity: The railway network will extend approximately 2,100 km across four countries: Tanzania section (Dar es Salaam-Isaka): 1,000 km; Rwanda section (Isaka-Kigali): 400 km; Burundi section (Isaka-Gitega): 350 km; DRC extensions: 350 km.
Capacity: The railway network will extend approximately 2,100 km across four countries: Tanzania section (Dar es Salaam-Isaka): 1,000 km; Rwanda section (Isaka-Kigali): 400 km; Burundi section (Isaka-Gitega): 350 km; DRC extensions: 350 km.
Financing Structure
The project utilizes a phased sovereign financing approach with: multilateral development bank financing (AfDB, World Bank); bilateral financing from China, Turkey, and other partners; national budget allocations from participating countries; and potential for PPP arrangements for operations and certain segments.
Market Analysis
The Central Corridor currently handles approximately 8 million tons of freight annually, primarily via road transport with high costs and reliability challenges. Detailed O-D studies indicate potential rail freight demand of 13 million tons by 2030 and 25 million tons by 2045.
Investment Opportunities
Significant opportunities exist for private sector participation in railway operations and maintenance, rolling stock provision and maintenance, logistics facilities development, station commercial development, and digital systems implementation.
Key Stakeholders
Sponsor: Tanzania Railways Corporation, Rwanda Transport Development Agency, East African Community
Partners: Tanzania Railways Corporation, Rwanda Transport Development Agency, Burundi Ministry of Transport, D...
Partners: Tanzania Railways Corporation, Rwanda Transport Development Agency, Burundi Ministry of Transport, D...
For More Information, Contact:
Christelle Onana
christellen@auda-nepad.org
Bernard Brian Cudjoe
bernardc@auda-nepad.org
www.au-pida.org
Christelle Onana
christellen@auda-nepad.org
Bernard Brian Cudjoe
bernardc@auda-nepad.org
www.au-pida.org