DAR ES SALAAM, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Passengers using Tanzania's standard gauge railway (SGR) electric train services were stranded for several hours on Sunday at Magufuli station in the port city of Dar es Salaam after services were suspended due to technical challenges caused by heavy rainfall.
Machibya Masanja, director general of the Tanzania Railways Corporation, said persistent rains had triggered technical faults within the railway system, prompting engineers to temporarily halt operations to allow for safety inspections and repairs.
"Due to the ongoing rains, technical challenges have emerged, and our engineers are working to resolve them. Trips will resume shortly. This situation is beyond our control, as the rains have affected our systems," he told journalists at the station.
Masanja urged passengers to remain patient, emphasizing that safety remains the top priority for railway operations.
"Our goal is to provide reliable, safe and high-quality transport. Once inspections are completed, SGR services will continue as usual," he said.
Parallel efforts were underway to restore operations on sections of the meter gauge railway damaged by heavy rains, as authorities continue to monitor weather conditions across the country, Masanja said.
The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) on Sunday issued an alert over heavy rainfall affecting large parts of the country, warning of continued adverse weather conditions and associated impacts on infrastructure and transport.
In addition to disruptions to passenger and cargo railway services, the TMA said, there were also reports of mudslides and rockfalls along the Morogoro-Iringa highway, near the Mama-Marashi area in Mikumi, disrupting road transport. ■