The Minister's instructions place emphasis on preventive infrastructure maintenance and inspections at high-risk railway locations ahead of anticipated heavy rainfall. TRC has been directed to strengthen vulnerable sections before damage occurs, with public safety and continuity of railway services identified as priorities.
- Tanzania’s Minister of Transport, Prof Makame Mbarawa, has urged the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) to step up preparations for the expected El Niño rains after inspecting protection works at Kilosa, Gulwe, Kidete and Godegode in Morogoro Region.
- TRC is fencing the banks of the Mkondoa River and gully areas and removing sand and debris from rivers.
- TRC is improving bridges so that they can carry larger volumes of water without affecting the river banks.
- Large stones are being placed on river and gully banks to prevent soil erosion and protect the railway infrastructure.
Tanzania's Minister of Transport, Professor Makame Mbarawa, has directed Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) to strengthen its preparations for the potential effects of El Niño rains, including flooding and damage to railway infrastructure.
The Minister issued the instructions during a working visit to the Kilosa–Gulwe section in Morogoro Region on 8 October 2026, where he inspected the condition of railway infrastructure and progress on ongoing works.
Mbarawa instructed TRC to conduct thorough inspections of high-risk locations and strengthen vulnerable sections before heavy rains begin. He emphasised that passenger safety must remain the priority and that preventive measures should be completed before infrastructure is damaged.
The Minister also reviewed work being undertaken across various sections of the railway. He commended TRC personnel for their efforts and instructed the Corporation to maintain progress, complete activities within the scheduled timeframes and comply with the required standards.
Referring to the government's investment in the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), Mbarawa stressed the importance of maintaining, protecting and strengthening the infrastructure.
He directed TRC to ensure that SGR services continue operating safely and efficiently under different weather conditions, supported by improved preparedness and systems for responding to weather-related challenges.
TRC Acting Director of Infrastructure and Construction, Engineer Ismail Athuman, outlined measures being undertaken by the Corporation to address the potential effects of rainfall. These include monitoring high-risk locations, inspecting railway infrastructure and preparing equipment and technical personnel.
