SGR Fault: Owls and Monkeys Involved

Monkeys and owls have been identified as the unexpected culprits behind an electrical fault that caused a two-hour halt of Tanzania’s modern electric-powered Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train. The incident, which occurred on the night of July 30, 2024, disrupted the journey of a train traveling from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma.

The Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) issued an apology following the incident, explaining that the fault occurred between Kilosa and Kidete stations. The train came to a stop as engineers worked to resolve the issue, ultimately restoring power after two hours. TRC’s Head of Public Relations, Jamila Mbarouck, provided further insight into the cause of the disruption, stating, “Preliminary reports indicate that such faults are caused by animals (monkeys) or birds (owls) touching the overhead power lines (overhead catenary system).”

Read More: TRC Apologizes for SGR Train Delay Due to Fault

This incident comes just a day before the scheduled official launch of the new electric-powered train services by President Samia Suluhu Hassan on August 1, 2024. The Dar-Dodoma route had only been operational for less than a week before this interruption, raising concerns about the potential for similar issues in the future.

The TRC has yet to outline specific measures to address the challenge posed by wildlife interacting with the SGR infrastructure. The unexpected interaction between animals and the electrical system highlights a unique aspect of operating modern railway services in regions with rich biodiversity. Further steps may include wildlife management strategies or additional protective measures for the overhead power lines to prevent future incidents. The TRC’s response and subsequent actions will be closely watched as the SGR service aims to provide a reliable and efficient mode of transport for Tanzanians.