NRZ to revive Harare-Mutare passenger train

The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has confirmed plans to reintroduce passenger services on the Harare-Mutare route, ending a four-year hiatus that left travellers dependent on road transport.

Tourism Minister Barbara Rwodzi announced the development ahead of the Sanganai Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, saying the move will improve connectivity for both locals and tourists. "Rail transport is central to our tourism revival strategy. Mutare is an important gateway, and we want visitors to experience affordable and safe travel," she said.

Mutare Railway Station is being refurbished to handle increased passenger volumes, while NRZ engineers are inspecting tracks and coaches.

Passenger services were suspended in 2020 due to financial challenges and deteriorating infrastructure. Transport unions have long campaigned for their revival, arguing that trains offer cheaper and safer alternatives to buses on Zimbabwe's increasingly accident-prone highways.

Residents of Manicaland welcomed the announcement but urged NRZ to ensure reliability. "We've heard these promises before. What we want is a service that runs on time and doesn't stop after a few months," said Mutare businessman Farai Mupfumi.

The new service is expected to be launched in October.