A major milestone for African transportation, tourism and regional cooperation has arrived with the restoration of the Tanzania–Zambia Railway, known as TAZARA. After years of operational disruptions, cross-border passenger services between Dar es Salaam and New Kapiri Mposhi have officially resumed, marking the return of one of the continent’s most significant rail corridors. The development signals renewed momentum for regional mobility, strengthening economic ties and supporting tourism growth across Southern and Eastern Africa.
Constructed in the 1970s as a landmark infrastructure project symbolizing international cooperation, TAZARA has long played a vital role in connecting landlocked Zambia with Tanzania’s Indian Ocean port — a gateway for global trade and travel. The revival of the cross-border passenger service restores a crucial overland artery, enriching local livelihoods and expanding travel opportunities for domestic and international passengers alike.
Mukuba Train Returns: A Key Cross-Border Connector
TAZARA officially resumed its long-distance Mukuba passenger train on 10 February 2026, reopening the 1,860-kilometre route linking Tanzania and Zambia. The service, suspended since June 2024 due to aging equipment and operational constraints, has been relaunched with a restructured schedule and renewed focus on reliability.
Running once per week in each direction, the Mukuba now departs New Kapiri Mposhi on Tuesday afternoons and Dar es Salaam on Friday evenings. This predictable timetable is designed to support both full-route international travellers and local passengers making shorter journeys along the corridor.
Between major junctions, the train operates as a limited-stop express service to streamline travel time. In rural regions, however, it functions as a local lifeline, stopping frequently to serve communities that lack dependable road access. This hybrid model ensures that TAZARA continues to deliver inclusive mobility — catering to tourists, traders and residents in equal measure.
Boosting Tourism Across Two Nations
The return of the Mukuba train breathes new life into regional tourism. Rail enthusiasts, backpackers and safari travellers can once again enjoy one of Africa’s most scenic and historic train journeys, offering access to remote landscapes, wildlife reserves and cultural hotspots.
In Tanzania, the route opens gateways to outdoor treasures such as Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Ruaha National Park and the rolling highlands of the southern corridor. Travelers heading into Zambia gain convenient access to the northern provinces, the Copperbelt region and routes extending further into Southern Africa.
The railway itself holds enormous historical appeal, attracting visitors interested in its role in post-colonial development and the deep diplomatic collaboration that brought it to life. The leisurely pace of rail travel allows passengers to appreciate East Africa’s vast landscapes — from mountain ranges and savannah to rural villages and bustling border towns.
Tour operators expect demand to rise as the schedule stabilizes, enabling multi-country itineraries that combine cultural tourism, wildlife experiences and long-distance overland travel.
Strengthening Trade and Regional Integration
Beyond tourism, the restoration of TAZARA is expected to accelerate bilateral trade and stimulate economic activity across multiple sectors. The railway provides a cost-effective transport option for small-scale traders, agricultural producers and logistics companies moving goods across the Tanzania–Zambia border.
For Zambia, which relies on external trade routes for imports and exports, renewed access to Tanzania’s ocean port is a strategic advantage. For Tanzania, increased rail traffic supports port activity, boosts regional commerce and strengthens the nation’s role as a transport hub for East and Southern Africa.
Reinstating reliable passenger operations also supports cross-border labour movement, educational access and family travel — essential components of socio-economic development.
Reviving Local Connectivity: The Udzungwa Service
In addition to the flagship Mukuba service, TAZARA has revived its Udzungwa local train, operating twice weekly between Kidatu and Makambako. Serving the Morogoro and Njombe regions of southern Tanzania, this service restores transport links for communities where road infrastructure is limited or vulnerable to seasonal disruptions.
For residents, the train provides essential access to schools, health services and markets. For tourists, it offers a scenic, low-cost route to Udzungwa Mountains National Park and neighbouring reserves — home to waterfalls, rainforest trails and rare wildlife species.
With both long-distance and local services now active, TAZARA is pursuing a balanced transport model that supports regional development while remaining sensitive to operational constraints.
A Strategic Step Toward Sustainable African Transport
TAZARA’s revitalization arrives at a moment when many African nations are strengthening commitments to sustainable mobility. Rail transport, with its lower environmental impact compared to road freight and aviation, is increasingly seen as a cornerstone for future growth.
The renewed focus on aligning service levels with available resources demonstrates TAZARA’s shift toward more efficient, resilient operations. By prioritizing core services and modernizing ageing components, the authority aims to sustain long-term viability while continuing to serve millions across the two nations.
The restoration also reinforces broader regional goals under organizations such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which promotes integrated infrastructure networks to support economic transformation across the continent.
A Catalyst for Regional Prosperity
The return of TAZARA’s cross-border passenger rail marks more than a transportation milestone — it symbolizes renewed hope for regional cohesion, mobility and opportunity. As services stabilize, the economic ripple effects are expected to reach markets, tourism operators, border towns and rural communities along the line.
With its strategic position linking East Africa to the heart of Southern Africa, the Tanzania–Zambia Railway once again stands poised to drive connectivity, foster cultural exchange and support sustained growth across the region.
For travelers, traders and local residents, TAZARA’s restoration represents a new chapter of accessible, reliable and meaningful journeys — revitalizing a historic rail corridor that remains as important today as it was when first built.
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