THE government has sent 69 railway technicians to China for an 80-day course blending classroom lessons with hands-on instructions from Chinese experts in the field.

Prof. Godius Kahyarara, the Transport permanent secretary, said at the farewell ceremony in Dar es Salaam yesterday that 22 other TRC technicians will head to China next month, for tailor-made training aimed at powering up operations of the nation’s first electric train.

The staff were selected from different technical fields in the corporation, including mechanical teams, and upon return they will take up training of other technicians in specific areas of specialization, he said.

“Human resources training is the backbone of railway operations once the infrastructure is in place,” he said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to train workers from all cadres to boost safety and make the sector stronger and more competitive.

He urged those going for training to stay focused on their studies, return with solutions for daily operational challenges, and pass on their skills to colleagues who will not have the chance to study abroad.

Machibya Masanja, the TRC director general, said the training, to be conducted at Beijing Jiaotong University, listed as part of the SGR Tabora–Kigoma building contract, includes training of the relevant personnel to handle operations as the railway facility broadens its reach.

The first batch includes 22 train drivers, 34 wagon and locomotive technicians (15 artisan, 15 technical and four mechanical engineers).

Others are 22 operational staff (12 train controllers and 10 transport logistics yard officers), eight business development officers (four in cargo and four in passenger services), he stated.

Also, five safety and security specialists (two technical level officers, one transport officer and two trained engineers) are part of the team, he said.

The training is expected to sharpen technical skills in rolling stock and machinery, strengthen safety in passenger and freight services, improve train control operations, and enhance business efficiency.

“Graduates are expected to return as capacity builders helping to elevate the entire workforce," he suggested, appealing to those leaving to uphold discipline, ethics and patriotism, being ambassadors for TRC and the country as a whole.

Ally Karavina, the TRC board chairman, reiterated a call by President Samia Suluhu Hassan for skilled manpower when launching the Kwala dry port, explaining that those going for training are among the few chosen for this opportunity. “Make it count, and bring home changes the nation can see,” he stressed

Eustadius Mlinda of the TRC mechanical department, thanked the government for its support, pledging to share the knowledge with colleagues upon return, while Hayrat Ally, a safety officer, also took deep note of TRC leadership instructions on the mission.