Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
MANICALAND has received a major boost in connectivity following the reintroduction of both passenger train and air services along the Harare-Mutare route, a development warmly welcomed by locals and international visitors.
The dual revival of transport options is set to stimulate economic activity, reduce travel costs, and strengthen tourism flows into the scenic Eastern Highlands.
Residents expressed joy at the convenience brought by the passenger train, which last serviced the route years ago.
“I am a vendor, and I believe the reintroduction of a train will reduce the cost of doing business, as buses were expensive.
“The train last serviced this route a long time ago, and I am very happy that I can go and make my business orders in Harare without challenges,” a retailer added.
The improved connectivity is already being enjoyed by international visitors, many of whom are in the country to attend the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo.
The development coincides with the arrival of international delegates for the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo, who praised the services for opening up new ways to explore Zimbabwe’s natural heritage.
“The train gives us an opportunity to view different areas of interest. The introduction of this train is a timely intervention,” a tourist said.
This development marks a major milestone in efforts to decentralise tourism and improve regional access, in line with the government’s Vision 2030 agenda of inclusive growth and infrastructure development.
The reintroduction of a passenger train comes a few days after Air Zimbabwe’s 48-seater aircraft made its maiden landing at Grandreef Aerodrome in Mutare.
“This is my first time to be in the eastern highlands and my second to attend Sanganai/ Hlanganani. I am looking forward to a lot of opportunities that include visiting exciting places.
“I am from India, and this is my first time being in Zimbabwe and attending the Sanganai/Hlanganani event. Within the few days I have spent in the country, I have discovered that Zimbabwe is a wonderful country,” a tourist from India said.
Government officials who attended both the epic landing of Air Zimbabwe’s aircraft at Grandreef Aerodrome and the passenger train in Mutare Sunday evening believe the two developments are a huge step towards transforming both tourism and business travel.
“Today, we witnessed a landmark partnership between the national railways of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority for the introduction of a special tourist train from Harare to Mutare. The train offers opportunities to view the country unique terrain,” the Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Joshua Sacco said.
“The launch of the Harare-Mutare flight is a great initiative. Today, the reintroduction of a passenger train will improve connectivity and tourism growth. This provides a good platform for tourists to view places of interest. We are going to support this initiative as we want continuity. This train and air service are all going to take us to another level,” Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza said.
“We run with the vision of the President, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, that of not leaving anyone and any place behind, and the introduction of a flight and the upgrading of the Grandreef airport in Mutare came at an appropriate time when Zimbabwe has been rated a must-visit destination in 2025. The development that we have done here is going to be replicated when we move to another province next year,” the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Barbra Rwodzi said.
“The rehabilitation of the airport and the arrival of tourists should transform the Zimunya-Marange community, and that is the wish of the president to have an empowered community by 2030. This development is a result of President Mnangagwa’s great vision. The local community should prioritize business opportunities arising around the airport,” the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Felix Mhona said.
The maiden journey of the passenger train this Sunday was followed by its departure back to Harare this Monday.
As the countdown to the September 10–12 expo continues, Mutare is fast positioning itself as a fully accessible tourism hub, by road, air, and rail.
