Tanzania Railway Corporation And Hyundai Rotem collaborate on standard gauge railway equipment
The Tanzania Railway Corporation (TRC) has been working diligently to enhance the nation’s rail transportation capabilities. Recently, TRC oversaw extensive trials of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) operating equipment, manufactured by Hyundai Rotem.
Hyundai Rotem was awarded the contract to supply 17 electric locomotives and 10 state-of-the-art EMU train sets. This project is part of the broader plan to modernize rail transport services in Tanzania, with an emphasis on safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
A specialist team from TRC was stationed at the Hyundai Rotem factory in Changwon, South Korea, to ensure that every aspect of the manufacturing process met the desired standards. This team, comprising mechanical and electrical engineers, technicians, and train drivers, scrutinized various elements, including the electrical and brake systems.
A factory inspection was not a mere formality but an integral part of the project. It ensured that the manufactured equipment met contractual obligations and aligned with the standards of the railway infrastructure under development. Careful inspection at this stage can mitigate potential future problems, such as equipment failure or incompatibility with existing infrastructure, thereby preventing potential financial losses and safety risks.
Each electric locomotive manufactured weighs a massive 88 tons and has been manufactured to align with the Tanzanian environment. Beyond manufacturing, Hyundai Rotem’s collaboration with TRC extends to the comprehensive training of TRC drivers and technicians, preparing them to leverage this new and transformative rail technology effectively.
One of the unique aspects of the testing process was the rigorous rainfall resistance tests. Based on the average rainfall of Dar es Salaam, the tests were designed to be four times more rigorous, ensuring that the electric system and its components remain unaffected, even in extreme weather conditions.
The comprehensive trials, which continued for a week, were invaluable for the TRC team. They provided hands-on experience and insights into the operation of the equipment, knowledge that will be critical when these devices start operating in Tanzania.
This meticulous inspection process stands as a testament to the TRC’s commitment to delivering modern SGR operating equipment. It falls squarely within the vision of the Sixth Phase Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, led by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan. TRC’s efforts signal a promising future for Tanzania’s rail infrastructure, poised to deliver efficient, safe, and advanced rail transportation services to the nation.
