Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) has initiated a daily cargo train service from the Dar es Salaam Port to the Kwala Inland Container Depot (ICD) to alleviate congestion at the port and improve efficiency, particularly for goods in transit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The trains are operated by Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC).
In an interview with The Citizen, General Cargo director Abed Gallus explained that this initiative was introduced to address delays in clearing Congolese cargo, especially during periods of political instability in the DRC.
He said: “We started with cargo from Congo. During times of conflict, Congolese cargo would remain at the port for extended periods. We began moving it to Kwala by train, where clients can collect it at their convenience.”
Kwala ICD began operations in August 2023, initially focusing on clearing long-stay containers. However, since March of this year, daily train services running on the Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) have been specifically directed at handling DRC-bound cargo.
“One MGR train now departs for Kwala every day. Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) has significantly enhanced its cargo handling capacity,” he added.
Mr Gallus noted that this initiative benefits DRC traders and is part of a broader strategy to improve service delivery to other landlocked countries.
“We started with the DRC, but we plan to serve all landlocked countries,” he said.
The Kwala ICD offers importers and exporters a 60-day grace period before storage penalties apply, providing clients with some flexibility in collecting their goods. “Kwala provides flexibility. Clients get some breathing room even if they face delays in picking up cargo,” he remarked.
Addressing concerns about traffic congestion in Dar es Salaam, Mr Gallus clarified that TPA is not responsible for the heavy truck movement in the city.
“Lorries are not there because of us. Each District Commissioner is working to manage traffic. On our part, we are focusing on Mandela Road and increasing rail use to alleviate pressure on city roads,” he explained.
He also mentioned improvements at Dar es Salaam Port, where container vessel delays have decreased from 30 days to only three.
“Ships now offload and depart swiftly. Our turnaround times have improved significantly,” Mr Gallus said.
