As Zimbabwe prepares to host the upcoming Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi Tourism Expo, the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has launched a new “Rail Leisure” service between Harare and Mutare. Intended to promote domestic tourism, the project has instead become a lightning rod for public criticism and online debate.
The leisure train, which features unconventional furnishings such as household-style sofa chairs, has drawn widespread attention — not all of it positive. Among the most vocal critics is journalist and government critic Hopewell Chin’ono, who questioned both the safety and practicality of the train’s design.
Sharing images of the refurbished carriages on social media, Chin’ono described the setup as “a moving lounge,” warning that unsecured furniture posed a risk in the event of sudden braking or derailment. He argued that the use of loose sofas, rather than fixed train seating with safety features, was both impractical and hazardous.
“This is not just absurd — it’s dangerous,” he commented, noting that unanchored furniture could become a safety hazard during emergencies.
Beyond concerns over passenger safety, Chin’ono used the train as a symbol of deeper systemic issues, suggesting that the initiative reflects misplaced priorities in governance. He further mocked the train’s interior design, including its curtains, and sarcastically referred to the situation as a product of a fictional “Department of Ridiculous and Embarrassment Affairs.”
In response to the public interest, NRZ confirmed that a successful trial run had taken place earlier in the week, covering the route between Chegutu and Harare. The run was attended by officials from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, government representatives, and tourism sector stakeholders.
The new service is expected to accommodate up to 243 passengers, with tickets priced at US$60 for a one-way trip. The inaugural journey is scheduled to depart Harare for Mutare at 7 a.m. on 5 September 2025, followed by additional trips on 7 and 9 September. Return journeys are planned for 6 and 8 September, with an overnight service departing Mutare on 12 September at 8 p.m.
No trains will operate on 10 and 11 September, as these dates have been set aside for tourism excursions in and around Mutare.
Despite the criticism, the NRZ has not issued a formal response to the safety concerns raised on social media.
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