Tanzania to procure hybrid diesel engines as backup for SGR

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) is set to import hybrid engines that run on both electricity and diesel 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.

Hybrid locomotive is a type of train that utilizes two energy sources, typically electric power and diesel fuel, to operate efficiently and ensure uninterrupted service. This dual-power system provides flexibility, reliability, and operational continuity, especially in the event of disruptions to the primary power source.

 How a hybrid locomotive works 

Primary operation using electric power

In normal conditions, the hybrid locomotive operates on electric power, often supplied via overhead wires (catenary systems) or an electrified rail. Electric trains are efficient, produce minimal emissions, and are well-suited for areas with established electrification infrastructure, such as urban transit systems or heavily trafficked corridors.

 Switching to diesel in case of power disruption 

If there is a disruption in the electric power supply—such as faults in the overhead wires, power outages, or operating in non-electrified sections of the rail network—the locomotive automatically switches to diesel mode.

The locomotive is equipped with an onboard diesel engine that can generate power to propel the train.

The transition from electric to diesel mode is seamless, ensuring there are no interruptions in operations.

This dual-mode capability is particularly important for maintaining schedules and minimizing