The Kaliua–Mpanda upgrade forms part of Tanzania Railways Corporation's programme to improve the performance of its existing meter-gauge network alongside the development of the new standard-gauge railway. Replacing steel sleepers with concrete sleepers is intended to strengthen track infrastructure, accommodate heavier freight loads and support higher train speeds. TRC's stated objective extends beyond the 210 km Kaliua–Mpanda section, with the corporation targeting the replacement of steel sleepers across the wider MGR network within two years.
Domestic sleeper manufacturing is also central to the investment programme. TRC reports a production cost of TZS 160,000 per concrete sleeper, compared with TZS 360,000 for a steel sleeper, with the Government intending to reinvest the savings in other railway upgrades. The manufacturing facilities are also providing employment and technical training opportunities, supporting Tanzania's stated ambition to develop local railway manufacturing expertise.
The Tanzanian Government has invested TZS 379 billion in upgrading the 210 km Kaliua–Mpanda meter-gauge railway (MGR), with Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) manufacturing concrete sleepers locally to replace the existing steel sleepers.
The Minister of Transport confirmed the investment during a visit to the concrete sleeper manufacturing facility at Uyumbu Village in Kaliua District, Tabora Region. The visit formed part of an inspection of ongoing railway infrastructure projects, including Sections 2 to 6 of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
The Kaliua–Mpanda upgrade forms part of TRC's efforts to strengthen the existing meter-gauge network and increase its freight-carrying capacity. The use of concrete sleepers is intended to improve track stability and accommodate heavier freight loads and higher operating speeds.
According to TRC, manufacturing concrete sleepers locally has also reduced production costs. The corporation reported that a steel sleeper previously cost TZS 360,000 to manufacture, compared with TZS 160,000 for a concrete sleeper. The Government intends to direct savings from local production towards other railway infrastructure upgrades.
The TRC Director General explained that the concrete sleepers weigh approximately 250 kg each, compared with 39.7 kg for the steel sleepers being replaced. The greater weight and structural characteristics of the concrete sleepers are intended to improve the track's ability to accommodate heavier freight loads.
Beyond the Kaliua–Mpanda section, TRC is pursuing a wider programme to replace steel sleepers with concrete sleepers across the meter-gauge railway network. The Director General indicated that the corporation expects to complete this replacement programme within two years, with the objective of improving freight capacity and train speeds on the existing network.
The local manufacturing programme is also providing employment and technical training opportunities. According to the Minister of Transport, the sleeper production facilities have enabled Tanzanian workers to develop specialist manufacturing skills, supporting the Government's ambition to establish Tanzania as a training centre for railway sleeper production in Africa.
The investment in the Kaliua–Mpanda line forms part of Tanzania's broader railway development programme, which includes upgrading the existing meter-gauge network alongside construction of the new standard-gauge railway. The Government intends to strengthen domestic and regional transport connections as part of its efforts to position Tanzania as a transport and trade hub serving neighbouring countries.
