The Tanzania–Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring safe, reliable, and efficient railway services as the Authority enters the Christmas and New Year period, with the ongoing revitalisation programme now moving into an active implementation phase.

In a year-end statement, TAZARA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Bruno Ching’andu, acknowledged the operational challenges experienced during the year, while highlighting tangible progress made towards the rehabilitation of the railway.

“This has been a difficult year operationally, marked by infrastructure limitations and rolling-stock constraints that affected service reliability. We acknowledge the inconvenience caused to our passengers, freight customers, and the communities we serve,” Eng. Ching’andu said.

He noted that the revitalisation of the railway has moved beyond the planning stage and is now underway, following the mobilisation of technical resources by TAZARA’s strategic partner, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

Eng. Ching’andu further revealed that following the official launch of the TAZARA revitalisation programme in November 2025, CCECC has commenced the mobilisation of equipment, technical personnel, and supporting resources in preparation for phased rehabilitation works along the railway corridor.

“Engineering teams are currently on the ground undertaking detailed infrastructure audits of the line. These assessments are focused on determining the condition of the track, bridges, culverts, signalling, and related assets, in order to prioritise rehabilitation works based on safety, operational impact, and long-term sustainability,” he said.

Eng. Ching’andu emphasised that the revitalisation process will be implemented in phases, and that improvements will be progressive rather than instantaneous.

“While the transformation will not happen overnight, the programme will deliver steady and measurable improvements in safety, reliability, and operational predictability. Temporary service adjustments may still occur as rehabilitation works advance,” he added.

The Managing Director paid tribute to employees for their resilience and professionalism during a challenging period, and thanked customers and the general public for their patience and continued support.

“Our staff have demonstrated exceptional commitment under difficult circumstances, and our customers have shown understanding as we navigate this transition. Their continued support remains vital as we rebuild the railway,” Eng. Ching’andu said.

Looking ahead to the New Year, he expressed confidence that the ongoing revitalisation programme will restore the railway’s role as a dependable regional transport backbone supporting passenger movement, freight logistics, and regional economic integration.

The Authority wished its employees, customers, stakeholders, and the public a peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

ISSUED BY:
Conrad K. Simuchile
Head – Public Relations