Online Reporter
Emmanuel Kafe
THE Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) will soon start mass production of the ultra-modern light rail tram-train, whose prototype President Mnangagwa recently rode at the college.
HIT is setting up a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant to produce the tram-train, which is expected to be completed within the next 12 months.
The initiative highlights the growing role of local higher education institutions in crafting innovative, home-grown solutions to address the country’s pressing challenges.
The college’s City Rail Munhanzva tram-train system is envisaged to revolutionise local commuting.
The project, spearheaded by HIT’s Tram-Urban Mass Transportation System Proof of Concept and Research Centre, aims to address Zimbabwe’s growing urban mobility demands with a cleaner, more efficient and inclusive transportation solution.
The initiative is being developed by a cross-functional team of HIT students and staff in its proof-of-concept phase. They are refining the design in anticipation of full-scale implementation.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, HIT Vice Chancellor Engineer Quinton Kanhukamwe said the project will help showcase the immense talent and innovation in the country’s learning institutions.
“The project intends to contribute to urban mass transportation and introduce cost-efficient, timely, reliable and cleaner transportation to improve the smartness of cities, reduce pollution, provide accessibility and inclusivity for able-bodied and those living with disabilities,” he said.
“The tram is set to transform the landscape of the urban transportation system in Zimbabwe.”
A tram-train is a type of light rail vehicle that combines the characteristics of a tram and a train, allowing it to operate on both urban tramways and mainline railways.
Eng Kanhukamwe said the notable feature of the project was its incorporation of advanced machine learning techniques in its design.
“The cross-functional team incorporated industrial automation, machine design and machine learning techniques in the project, serving as an answer to city decongestion, implementing low-carbon technology to mitigate climate change and easing the mass transportation woes faced by cities,” he said.
“Machine learning techniques help monitor and track the tram system while ensuring passenger safety and comfort during transportation.”
The production of the tram-train vindicates the country’s Education 5.0 model and the National Development Strategy, both initiated by the Second Republic to drive industrialisation and modernisation.
The tram-train will utilise low-carbon technology, helping mitigate the effects of climate change, while offering a smarter alternative to traditional transportation methods.
“The City Rail Munhanzva speaks to the Government’s Vision 2030 and what the Education 5.0 model can achieve in devising home-grown solutions not only for transportation, but addressing other national challenges as well,” he said.
“The project highlights the significance of the philosophy ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’ in driving national development as HIT is playing a critical role in proffering innovative solutions tailored to Zimbabwe’s needs.”
Tram-trains can operate on urban tramway tracks, which are often embedded in city streets or dedicated lanes, allowing them to navigate through dense urban environments.
They are also capable of running on mainline railway tracks, enabling travel to rural areas outside the city
limits.
This dual capability allows for seamless transitions between urban and regional transport networks.
Most tram-trains are electrically powered, often through overhead lines, which support both tram and train operations.
Some advanced models might also incorporate battery or hybrid technologies for sections where overhead lines are not available.
