By Twink Jones Gadama
The Ministry of Transport has announced plans to construct a railway line from Chilumba in Karonga District to Mbeya in Tanzania, connecting Malawi to the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) railway line. This development is expected to revolutionize cargo transportation in the country, saving the government up to $50 billion annually and reducing prices of goods.
According to Minister of Transport, Jacob Hara, the railway line will branch off at Mbeya, where Malawi has its cargo centre facilities. The government aims to connect the railway line to Chilumba port, easing the transportation of cargo to Malawi. Hara emphasized that the current struggle to bring enough fuel into the country is largely due to inadequate tankers to haul the commodity from Tanzania.
The Tazara railway line, which links the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania with the town of Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia, will provide Malawi with a vital connection to the regional railway network. This will not only enhance trade but also promote economic growth and development.
The construction of the railway line is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s economy. By reducing transportation costs, businesses will be able to increase their competitiveness, leading to lower prices of goods for consumers. Additionally, the railway line will create employment opportunities during the construction phase and beyond.
Malawi’s railway network has been in need of development for several years. In recent years, the government has been exploring options to upgrade the network, including partnering with international companies. The announcement of the railway line construction is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
In related news, the government has also been working on other railway projects, including a deal with China Railway Signal and Communication Corp. International to construct a railway network in the country.
The project, valued at $2.18 billion, aims to promote economic development and reduce transportation costs.
The construction of the railway line from Chilumba to Mbeya is expected to commence soon, with the government working to finalize the necessary arrangements. As the project progresses, it is expected to have a significant impact on Malawi’s economy, promoting trade, economic growth, and development.
