TRC Director General Masanja Kadogosa announced that a European manufacturer has been identified to supply the engines.
'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,' Kadogosa said.
The hybrid engines are designed to switch between electricity and diesel seamlessly, ensuring operational continuity even during grid disruptions.
'Our SGR system is designed to accommodate both electric and diesel engines, ensuring operations remain unaffected,' he added.
TRC has also intensified efforts to safeguard SGR infrastructure. Collaboration with law enforcement has led to arrests for vandalism, though specific figures were not disclosed.
Kadogosa outlined plans to install CCTV cameras along the SGR corridor, especially in high-risk areas.
'Cameras have already been installed in some areas, and the remaining installations will commence soon,' he stated.
Hybrid locomotives utilize two energy sourcesâ€"electricity and diesel. Under normal conditions, trains operate on electric power supplied via overhead wires. During power disruptions, they switch to diesel mode seamlessly, ensuring schedules remain on track. Some engines may include rechargeable batteries for added emergency power.
The SGR project is already transforming Tanzania's transportation landscape. Since launching electric train services between Dar es Salaam and Morogoro in June 2024, and extending to Dodoma in August, TRC has generated Tsh30 billion ($12.9 million) in ticket sales by November 30.
The railway's future phases aim to connect Dar es Salaam to Mwanza and Kigoma, spanning nearly 1,300 kilometers.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/tanzania-set-to-acquire-hybrid-diesel-engines-as-backup-for-sgr
