This archive report was first published on 6 June 2020.
Published on June 6, 2020, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) continues to operate despite the Covid-19 pandemic. The track and signaling team, led by Vincent Mboya, is the only department of Africa Star Railway Operation Company (Afristar) still operational.
According to Mboya, the team's primary responsibility is to ensure the railway track and its components are in good condition through regular inspection, repairs, and maintenance. This includes inspecting track geometric parameters using a track inspection vehicle and repairing any defects found.
Heavy rainfall can cause damage to the railway track, such as cracks on the subgrade. To mitigate this, Afristar uses an advanced rainfall detection system to record the volume of rainfall and has placed high-definition cameras in areas where flooding can occur. In case of danger, GSM-R equipment is used to stop an oncoming train.
The team also ensures that the signs along the rail are in good condition and are facing the right direction, and that the signaling lights along the track are in good working condition.
Due to the high risk of disease transmission in railway operations, Afristar made arrangements for a number of staff to proceed on paid leave, retaining only the track and signaling team to handle core operations.
