Tazara says that after some initial teething problems the six units delivered last year are now performing satisfactorily. The extra locomotives are due to be delivered by December 2014.

In addition to the Chinese locomotives, Tazara operates a fleet of 10 GE U30C locomotives, which date back to the opening of the railway in 1976. These locomotives have suffered poor reliability in recent years as a result of overuse and inadequate maintenance.