Spotlight On Uganda’s Meter Gauge Railway Rehabilitation
The Government of Uganda, under the National Development Plan III, has prioritised the rehabilitation of the Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) among other initiatives. This action aims to facilitate bulk transportation of goods, reduce the high cost of road transport, alleviate traffic congestion, and diminish associated costs. The emergency rehabilitation works on the Tororo – Mukono, initiated in 2022, are now complete, with the line subsequently handed over to the Government. The enhancements to this section have strengthened the capacity of the URC to transport cargo.
Work on the Kampala – Mukono section (26.8km) of the Meter Gauge line began in April of this year. In this segment, the Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) is transitioning to the new technology of concrete sleepers, moving away from steel sleepers. URC indicates that concrete was chosen because it provides enhanced stability, is resistant to vandalism, and amplifies the line’s ability to accommodate larger loads at higher speeds. Once these works conclude, passengers will be able to travel by rail from Kampala to Mukono. Furthermore, plans are in place to extend passenger services further along the Northern corridor.
Subsequently, the Government of Uganda, in collaboration with the Uganda Railways Corporation, has partnered with M/s China Road and Bridge Corporation to oversee rehabilitation works for the Tororo – Gulu section. This 375km railway line traverses Mbale, Kumi, Soroti, and Lira, concluding at the Gulu Logistics Hub. The Hub’s main function is to streamline the transportation, collection, separation, consolidation, and distribution of goods for both national and international transit on a commercial basis.
Rehabilitation efforts for the Tororo – Gulu line are estimated to last 2 years. The Government of Uganda fully funds this initiative with a budget set at UShs. 199.9 Billion. This investment is a strategic move to enhance the quality of essential infrastructure, further cementing Uganda’s competitive edge. Additionally, it strives to amalgamate transport infrastructure and services across the nation.
The prescribed tasks include Drainage Improvement (incorporating the construction of new culverts and lining of side drains), Earthworks, Utility Relocation, Rehabilitation of 5 steel girder bridges, Railway Track Relaying Works (inclusive of ballasting), sourcing of new railway track materials, refurbishment of current railway track materials, and the creation of level crossings with comprehensive signage (both concrete and gravel). With these advancements, it’s anticipated that there will be a transport volume of at least 500,000 Metric Tons of cargo during FY 2025/26.