On right track

Inside the station stands a monument marking the full length of the line: 1,860.54369 kilometers. The precise figure reflects the effort of more than 50,000 Chinese engineers and construction workers who, over five years and eight months, worked alongside Tanzanian and Zambian colleagues — often with sweat, blood and sacrifice — to complete the line.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang said in November that China is willing to work with Zambia and Tanzania to advance the development of a prosperity belt along the Tanzania-Zambia Railway, and jointly foster a new hub of economic growth.

He made the remarks in Zambian capital Lusaka while attending the ground-breaking ceremony of the TAZARA revitalization project with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and Tanzanian Vice-President Emmanuel Nchimbi.