SGR expansion: Fourth EMU train passes final tests

Dar es Salaam. The fourth set of Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains for Tanzania’s standard gauge railway has successfully completed final testing. 

This marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to modernise its rail transport system.

The section between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma has been operational since July 2024 for passenger services, and plans are underway to roll out the cargo carriages after Tanzania received 264 of them last week.

The testing of the fourth out of 10 EMUs was conducted from Pugu Station to Dodoma, involving Latra experts, the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) and the South Korean company Hyundai Rotem, which is the manufacturer of the trains.

Latra’s acting director of rail transport, Mr Moses Nyoni, said during the tests conducted on December 27 and 28, 2024, the experts inspected various areas, including operational safety, electrical systems, and other technical areas.

“We have inspected the train to assess its operational performance and the quality of its systems. Additionally, we have evaluated how the drivers operate the trains in compliance with established standards and regulations. We are doing this to ensure that safety is upheld, ultimately providing transport that is entirely secure and reliable,” said Mr Nyoni.

Giving an assessment after the tests, Mr Nyoni said that Latra is satisfied with the performance of the train in the sense that the basic criteria provided by the TRC have been largely taken into account by the contractor and there are significant improvements they have seen starting from the design and how all systems work.

TRC senior mechanical engineer Edgar Bakuza, explained that the tests have been carried out successfully, and they expect the train named Serengeti to begin its journeys soon, thus bringing the total number of EMU trains to four.

The first three trains that are continuing to transport passengers are named Nyerere, Magufuli and Samia, respectively.

The Serengeti Train increases the number of train trips that will bring productivity by stimulating opportunities for timely business and thus increasing the economy of individual citizens and the government as a whole.

Citizens have also applauded the efforts of President Samia Suluhu Hassan for the significant investment and facilitating opportunities for modern rail transport, thus simplifying their daily activities.