DAR ES SALAAM, March 27 (Xinhua) -- The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) said on Friday it has introduced additional passenger train services in eastern Tanzania following severe road disruptions caused by heavy rains.
TAZARA said in a statement it had deployed unscheduled Udzungwa Passenger Train trips between the towns of Mlimba and Mang'ula in Morogoro Region after key road links in the area became impassable.
The emergency rail service began operating on Thursday, targeting stranded passengers and residents affected by the ongoing downpours, said the statement.
"TAZARA is committed to supporting the public during this difficult period by ensuring that rail services remain available to complement ongoing infrastructure repair efforts," said TAZARA Managing Director Bruno Ching'andu.
The statement said heavy rainfall has continued to affect parts of the Morogoro Region, disrupting road transport and isolating some communities.
The statement added that the additional train services will help maintain mobility and facilitate access to essential services while repair works on damaged infrastructure are underway.
TAZARA management said it would continue to monitor weather conditions and adjust operations accordingly, as efforts to restore normal road connectivity continue. ■