Dodoma. Tanzania is set to become the first country in East Africa to introduce a full-fledged urban rail system, according to the newly launched 2025–2030 election manifesto of the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).
The ambitious proposal, which includes metro rail lines in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, headlines an expansive infrastructure development plan that also seeks to accelerate Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) projects and address urban traffic congestion across the country.
Unveiled in Dodoma on Friday, May 30, 2025, by CCM National Chairperson and President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the manifesto, which The Citizen has reviewed, outlines a transformative vision aimed at modernising Tanzania’s transport landscape while unlocking new corridors for trade, mobility, and economic growth.
Urban rail: A first for East Africa
In what could be a historic shift for urban mobility in the region, CCM has pledged to construct metro-style urban rail systems in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, and the political capital, Dodoma.
These systems are designed to reduce traffic pressure on city roads, provide fast and reliable transport options for urban residents, and promote a greener, more sustainable urban future.
The planned metro networks will form part of a broader multimodal transport strategy, integrating with ongoing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects and road expansions to support Tanzania’s rapidly urbanising population.
Tackling urban gridlock
The manifesto also targets traffic congestion—a daily struggle for residents in cities such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Mwanza—with a series of strategic interventions.
In Dar es Salaam, the government plans to begin construction of new flyovers at high-traffic junctions in Morocco, Mwenge, Magomeni, and Tabata, aimed at easing bottlenecks that have long slowed economic productivity and commuter efficiency.
Beyond Dar es Salaam, CCM is committing to traffic decongestion efforts in other growing urban centres, including Mwanza, Mbeya, Babati, Songea, Singida, and Iringa.
The manifesto also outlines plans to continue expanding the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Dar es Salaam, with Phases IV to VI set to cover key transport corridors across the city.
These new phases will extend BRT services along Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road, connecting Morocco, Mwenge, and Tegeta.
Additional routes will include Mandela Road, stretching from the Ubungo Interchange to the Port, as well as a segment from the Mandela/Tabata Junction through Tabata Segerea, and another link between Tabata and Kigogo.
These expansions are expected to ease congestion, improve the commuter experience, and support the city’s growing population.
According to the document, the government will promote greater private sector participation in BRT services to improve operations and ensure financial sustainability.
Standard Gauge Railway
Reaffirming its commitment to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) as a cornerstone of national development, the CCM manifesto presents a detailed plan to complete and expand the SGR network, strengthening Tanzania’s links to regional and international markets.
The manifesto prioritizes the completion of several key segments: Mwanza to Isaka (341 km), Makutupora to Tabora (368 km), Tabora to Isaka (165 km), Tabora to Kigoma (506 km), and Uvinza to Musongati (156.6 km), which extends the network into Burundi.
In addition to completing these sections, new SGR lines will be developed to open up strategic economic corridors.
These include a route from Mtwara to Mbamba Bay, with a branch line to Songea–Ludewa, designed to facilitate transportation of coal and iron ore from the Liganga and Mchuchuma mining projects.
Another planned segment will connect Itigi to Singida, while a major new line will stretch from Tanga through Arusha to Musoma (1,108 km), linking up with the main SGR route between Dar es Salaam and Kigoma.
Additionally, the government plans to construct a railway terminal within the Port of Dar es Salaam, enhancing freight handling and intermodal transport.
Reviving legacy railways
Alongside new construction, the manifesto pledges to revitalise operations on the Central Line and Tazara through the acquisition of modern locomotives, wagons, and track maintenance equipment.
To boost road safety, CCM also proposes the installation of surveillance cameras at key points across the highway network—a move expected to reduce accidents and enhance traffic management.
Recognising infrastructure as a tool for regional integration, the party also pledges to construct the Kilambo Bridge, linking Tanzania and Mozambique.
The bridge is expected to facilitate smoother cross-border trade and improve regional connectivity in southern Tanzania.
