Sharon Chigeza
MUTARE-In a grand and symbolic gesture heralding a new era for travel and tourism, a 15-coach luxury train operated by the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) made its majestic arrival at Mutare station last evening.
Its debut run successfully revives the Harare-Mutare passenger service, a route that had lain silent since its suspension during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Arriving at 5pm, the specially dedicated train adds a palpable layer of excitement to the host city,following the Air Zimbabwe maiden flight that landed in Mutare on Saturday, perfectly positioning Mutare as the vibrant heartbeat of this year’s Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo.
The luxury service is far more than mere transport; equipped with modern amenities including Starlink WiFi, 13 sleeper coaches, dining cars, and a dedicated power coach, it is designed to offer a world-class travel experience.
The Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona, represented by his deputy, Honourable Joshua Sacco, framed the train’s arrival as a positive signal for the nation’s interconnected tourism and transport sectors.
“This moment shows how Zimbabwe is connecting tourism and transport to support economic growth,” said Minister Mhona.
“We are excited to welcome international buyers and local stakeholders who are already arriving, and this train will make their journey to Mutare more comfortable and memorable.”
Echoing these sentiments, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbra Rwodzi highlighted that the train served as a powerful symbol of Zimbabwe’s readiness to host the world.
“As buyers and exhibitors converge here in Mutare, the arrival of this train reflects our commitment to making tourism experiences in Zimbabwe world-class,” she stated, adding that the expo is pivotal for promoting destinations and forging lasting partnerships.
For the local province, the event was a testament to the policy of devolution.
The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, noted: “Decentralisation and devolution is the reason why the expo is being held here in Manicaland this year, and we are seeing all these investments and developments taking shape because of it.”
New Ziana
