Upgrade for Train Station full steam ahead

An upgrade of the track, CCTV cameras, better lighting and signage as well as improvements to the aesthetics is said to be expected for the Krugersdorp Train Station in the near future.

The announcement came as part of the unveiling of a rail corridor modernisation programme by The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) on Tuesday 15 April.

It was announced that Krugersdorp is among ten identified stations in need of an upgrade in the Gauteng province.

Speaking at the unveiling, MEC Ismail Vadi said, “There is a clear vision of a fully integrated and modernised rail solution to serve as the backbone of the public transport system in the respective metropolitan areas in our province over the next few years.”

Phase one includes the replacement of outdated copper cable signaling system, that is prone to theft, at a cost of over R1 billion.

The construction of a R175 million state-of-the-art Centralized Control Centre will commence soon and is expected to be operational by March 2015.

The centre centralises 43 signal cabins into one building, resulting in greater efficiency and effectiveness in operational control.

“Through this railway signaling replacement initiative, train signal changes will be fully automated, resulting in enhanced operational capacity, improved safety for passengers, and greater reliability and punctuality,” says Vavi.

Furthermore, the rail agency is in the process of procuring 3 000 new and modern coaches to replace the old and outdated trains. These will start running next year.

Vavi concluded in mentioning that the upgraded stations and its corridors will be capable of moving in excess of 50 000 passengers per direction in peak hours and reach up to 120km per hour on open track sections.