Plans to build direct rail link to Dar

Burundi and Rwanda are planning to build a direct railway link to the Tanzanian port of Dar es Salaam as an alternative route to the sea, the ‘EastAfrican’ daily reported. The two land-locked central African countries rely on Kenya’s Mombasa port for imports and exports through Uganda. Although the two countries are yet to secure funds for the railway project, feasibility studies indicate that Burundi plans to extend the existing railway terminal at Rusumo on the border with Tanzania to Bujumbura and other towns such as Musogati in Gitega province. Rwanda plans to link the capital Kigali with Isaka terminal on the border with Tanzania. The two countries are seeking alternative routes in order to reduce transport costs.