Uganda Resumes Passenger Train Service to Ease Kampala Traffic Congestion

The Ugandan government has revived passenger train services in parts of the capital city Kampala after a year of renovation work on the railway line. The move comes as urban planning experts advise the government to adopt a multi-model transport system to tackle the city's severe road congestion.

Why this matters: The adoption of a multi-model transport system can have a significant impact on the economy and quality of life of citizens, as it can reduce traffic congestion and increase productivity. Moreover, it can serve as a model for other cities in Africa and beyond, highlighting the importance of investing in sustainable transportation infrastructure.

The renovated 25 km meter gauge railway line connects Kampala to Namanve. The train service operates four trips per day, with a capacity of carrying up to 800 passengers. The fare for a trip has increased from 1,000 to 2,000 Ugandan shillings (about 50 U.S. cents).

The train service is expected to alleviate Kampala's traffic gridlock, which costs Uganda more than 800 million U.S. dollars annually in lost gross domestic product, according to a 2017 World Bank study. Passengers like Milly Akanga have already noted the benefits, saying that traveling by train takes her about 20 minutes, compared to an hour by road.

Minister of Works and Transport Katumba Wamala emphasized the government's aim to provide a solution to the city's congestion. "We want to alleviate the problem and stress people face with road transport. Our roads are still highly congested, and people spend a lot of time in traffic jams for short distances. With the train service, it will be far smoother and faster. It is a worthwhile endeavor," he said.

The renovation of therailway linehas focused on fixing deadly spots and broken sections. This project is part of the government's broader efforts to improve transportation infrastructure in the region. The East African Community (EAC) is also working on upgrading road networks, such as the Kisumu-Kakira expressway connecting Kenya and Uganda, to enhance trade and connectivity among partner states.

The resumption of passenger train services in Kampala marks a significant step in Uganda's efforts to tackle city road congestion and improve urban mobility. With the train's capacity to carry hundreds of passengers per trip, it offers a more efficient and time-saving alternative to road transport. As the government continues to invest in multi-model transportation solutions, Kampala residents can look forward to a more seamless and less stressful commuting experience.

Key Takeaways

• Ugandan government revives passenger train services in Kampala after 1-year renovation.
• Multi-model transport system can reduce traffic congestion and increase productivity.
• Renovated 25km railway line connects Kampala to Namanve with 4 daily trips.
• Train service aims to alleviate Kampala's traffic gridlock, costing $800m annually.
• Government targets multi-model transportation solutions to improve urban mobility.