Over 30 global firms want to supply electric trains

From SYLIVESTER DOMASA in Dodoma

THE Government has started screening more than 30 global firms which applied for contracts to supply electric trains to ply the standard gauge railway (SGR) line whose construction has just started.

Reli Asset Holding floated the tender for luxury trains in January attracting at least 54 companies. However, the Director of Information Services, Dr Hassan Abbas said here that government officials were currently screening some 35 companies that applied for the job. The latest information comes when the government has initiated construction of the line from Morogoro to Dodoma.
The plan is an extension to an ongoing construction from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro. The government says the standard gauge line is planned to link Dar es Salaam with its East African neighbours Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, DR Congo and Zambia. With Kenya moving very fast to build its own standard gauge line, the Chief Government Spokesperson says a team of officials is evaluating the technical and financial aspects before going to a table of discussion.
“This is a vital stage before we go on to negotiate terms and conditions,” Dr Abbas said. The pre-qualification stage is a preliminary step in a bidding process under which bidders showcase ability and resources to complete the job at hand. According to Rahco’s public notice, the state firm is seeking a “best company” to supply 14 electric locomotives of 6500 HP and two diesel locomotives of 6500 HP (Freight Trains) and three electric locomotives of 3000 HP and two diesel locomotives of 3000 HP (Departmental trains).
Other requirements on its ‘wish list’ included five Electric Multiple Units (EMU), each with the capacity to accommodate 1,800 passengers, 15 Coaches Class I and 45 Coaches of economy class. Other items to be supplied include 600 Flat wagons, 200 Oil tankers, 50 double stack container wagons, 50 bulk wagons, 70 Condola wagons and 70 ballast hoppers (Freight Wagons).
For its tracks, Rahco further requires three rail cutting machines, four tamping machines, four ballast regulators, five truck measuring cars, one CWR installation set, five Inspection motor trolleys and heavy motor trolleys, one rail welding machine, two Torque wrench machines and three sets of construction, inspection and maintenance of overhead line (OHL).
Director of Tanzania Information Services (MAELEZO) and Chief Government Spokesperson, Dr Abbas could not reveal names of the shortlisted firms. Yapi MerkezInsaat VeSanayi of Turkey and Mota-Engil, Engenharie and Construção África, SA (Portugal) won the first phase of the SGR project implementation that involves construction of Dar es Salaam - Morogoro line and Morogoro - Dodoma line respectively