TPDF lead the pack in Bullet Train technicians training
ippmedia.com/en/news/tpdf-lead-pack-bullet-train-technicians-training
September 16, 2018
16
Sep 2018
James Kandoya
DAR ES SALAAM
News
Guardian On Sunday
TPDF lead the pack in Bullet Train technicians training
AT least 57 technicians from the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) have been included in the large batch of electronics engineering professionals being trained to operate electric trains (Bullet Train) of the project now being implemented.
While the batch has been selected and training has started, complaints galore in the ranks of mechanically oriented veteran staff of the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) seeing that electronics graduates have been given pride of place.
Most TRC workers were trained in machine operating that has heat and other mechanical elements in primary focus, while the new train model is different, as it is close to ICT specialization than normal train operation.
Most current employees mt newly recruited for the purpose will not take part in ongoing training of locomotive pilots, engineers and other technical roles to man the much awaited bullet train.
The first and second batches comprising 167 young energetic local engineers and other professionals has already been selected for training in various fields in different countries.
“The bullet train will be run by young energetic local engineers expected to start operating when the construction of Standard Gauge Rail (SGR) is over from late next year,” TRC director general Masanja Kadogosa said in a recent interview.
Locomotive engineers, operators, motor technicians and electrical technicians have been left out in training for running the bullet train.
Those being lined up for a role in running the new train mode are being lined up for training in South Korea, Ethiopia, China, Turkey and India
The government has floated a multimillion dollar tender for 19 electric trains to be used on the SGR, with 14 of them being cargo trains.
Kadogosa said the nature of the train mode and the technology brings about the need to look for young professionals versed in the latest versions of information and motor technology.
“The electric train set to operate in the country will be equipped with the latest technology, which pushed the corporation to recruit engineers matching the changes in technology,” he said.
It was due to this reason that TRC recruited young, local energetic engineers to undergo training, leaving out staff working with the corporation.
TRC has already commenced training of the recruited personnel with a theory program being delivered in the country before embarking on practical training oversees, he said.
TRC staff will remain working with diesel run locomotives as there will be a number of available trains plying the meter gauge.
“Operating electric trains need competent and highly skilled personnel of electronic engineering bent,” he said.
Trainees will spend six months in the theory program and then fly off for practical sessions on manning bullet trains in countries participating in the project or are sources of its equipment.
Upon their return some will operate workshops being built to service electric train systems in case of defect or fault. Some will pilot trains while others conduct day to day servicing.
Launched by President John Magufuli earlier this year, the standard gauge railway whose construction is being undertaken by a Turkish-Portuguese consortium is expected to link Dar es Salaam with Mwanza as well as neighbouring Rwanda, Burundi and later DRC.