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Tanzania to procure diesel engines as backup for SGR operations
What you need to know:
- The diesel engines will provide an alternative power source in the event of power disruptions, ensuring that the SGR operations remain unaffected
Dar es Salaam. The
The Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) has initiated plans to procure diesel engines to ensure uninterrupted operations of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in the event of power outages.
TRC Director General, Masanja Kadogosa, confirmed the development, stating that a European manufacturer had been identified to produce the engines.
These engines will serve as a backup to the electric-powered SGR system, ensuring reliability and continuity.
“The funds for the engines are already allocated in our budget. The procurement process is underway, and we anticipate acquiring the engines by next year,” said Mr Kadogosa.
The diesel engines will act as a contingency power source, enabling seamless transitions during grid disruptions.
“Our SGR system is designed to accommodate both electric and diesel engines, ensuring operations remain unaffected,” he added.
In addition to power backup measures, TRC is intensifying efforts to safeguard the SGR infrastructure.
Collaboration with law enforcement agencies has led to the arrest of multiple suspects involved in vandalism, though exact figures were not disclosed.
The corporation is also finalising research to bolster security along the SGR corridors, with plans to install CCTV cameras from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma.
“Cameras have already been installed in high-risk areas, and the remaining installations will commence soon,” Mr Kadogosa noted.
Since the SGR services launched between Dar es Salaam and Morogoro in June, and later extended to Dodoma in August, TRC has reported significant revenue, collecting Sh30 billion from ticket sales as of November 30.
Earlier this year, amid public concerns over electricity supply reliability, Mr Kadogosa reassured Tanzanians that the electric trains would have a dedicated power system independent of the national grid.
This design minimises the risk of operational disruptions, except during nationwide blackouts.
Furthermore, Mr Kadogosa highlighted plans for hybrid engines capable of switching between electricity and diesel, enhancing the resilience of SGR operations.
Some of these engines could be fitted with rechargeable batteries to provide an additional layer of emergency power.
