Thousands of tourists are among the millions of passengers ferried by the 1860 kilometres TAZARA rail line from Dar es Salaam to New Kapirimposhi in Zambia.
It crosses in some of the most unique and spectacular tourist sites. The Minister of Tourism and Natural Resources, Mr Lazaro Nyalandu said at the weekend in Dar es Salaam that investors could invest in the much needed tourism infrastructures along the railway line like hotels and lodges which in turn contribute to economic growth.
Mr Nyalandu made the remarks shortly after witnessing the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Tanzania and the Chinese government to deliver 18 new carriages and repair 42 others to TAZARA.
"I invite Chinese investors take advantage of the abundant opportunities in the southern part of the country where the railway cut across to invest in hotels and lodges as well as other sorts of infrastructures to host the increasing number of tourists in the country," he said.
Last year, the country registered a 1.73 per cent increase of tourist arrivals to 1,095,884 from 1,077,058 in 2012. During the period, foreign exchange earnings from industry climbed to 1.88 billion US dollars up from 1.7 billion US dollars in the preceding year.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs Ms Doroth Mwanyika who signed on behalf of the government said the new wagons will improve railway transportation that would in turn improve socio-economic growth.
The Chinese ambassador to Tanzania, Dr Lu Youqing said at the event that apart from promoting economic growth, TAZARA was an important symbol for improving conservation in the country's largest wildlife reserves where it crosses.
The railway line starts from Dar es Salaam through Kazimzumbwi forest, one the oldest forest in the world, and the savannah wooded plain, where the major southern national parks of Mikumi, Udzungwa and Selous Game Reserve are located.
From there, TAZARA crosses the Great Ruaha River, towards Kilombero Flood Plains. Then it passes through tunnels under Udzungwa Mountain ranges and, adjoining Kipengere Ranges to Makambako Plateau.
From Makambako the train runs on the foot of Kipengere Ranges and at the edge of Rift Valley to Mbeya. From Mbeya the train passes though smaller train stations of Mbalizi, Songwe, the Uporoto Ranges of Shikula, Mlowo, Vwawa before it arrives at Tunduma.
TAZARA Acting Managing Director Ronald Phiri said the railway not only eases mobility for some of the most disadvantaged rural communities in Tanzania and Zambia, but also provides a public railway service that is very predictable, reliable, safe and convenient.