TRC Apologizes for SGR Train Delay Due to Fault

The Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) has issued an apology following an electrical fault that occurred between Kilosa and Kidete stations, causing the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train traveling from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma to halt for two hours on the night of July 30, 2024.

This incident comes just a day before the official launch of the new electric-powered train services by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, scheduled for August 1, 2024. The fault also occurred less than a week after the Dar-Dodoma route began operating.

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In a statement released today, July 31, 2024, TRC’s Head of Public Relations, Jamila Mbarouck, explained that preliminary reports suggest the fault was caused by animals, such as monkeys, or birds, like owls, coming into contact with the overhead power lines (overhead catenary system).

“The fault led to a power outage at substation number 7 (Godegode), technically described as an Instantaneous Overcurrent Protection Trip, at around 10:20 PM,” Mbarouck stated.

TRC technicians were able to resolve the issue and restore power by 12:30 AM, allowing the train to continue its journey to Dodoma, where it arrived at 1:57 AM. The Tanzania Railways Corporation apologizes for any inconvenience caused.