‘Modern’ rail line promised for Mabopane commuters

When Metrorail reopens its Mabopane-Pretoria rail corridor in November, it will be “modern and the first of its kind in SA”.

Trains on this line will not be operational for 90 days, effective from Monday, while renovations are underway.

“A completely new infrastructure and facilities will come with the programme,” said acting Gauteng Metrorail spokesperson Tony Games.

“There won’t be any train movement and the entire line will be a construction site to meet the set deadline.

“Commuters have been informed of the line closure and advised to seek alternative transport during the construction period.”

According to Games, the improvements were in accordance with the presidential Mabopane service recovery programme with current costs estimated at R1,2-billion, however, “the figure might change”.

The entire railway infrastructure network suffered vandalism and theft, which saw operations suspended.

Services were suspended between De Wildt and Pretoria, Mabopane and Belle Ombre, and De Wildt and Belle Ombre as a result of the extensive theft and vandalism of railway infrastructure in December 2019.

So far, a limited train service has been operational in six lines across Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg.

Vandalised assets included train stations, power supply systems such as overhead traction equipment and signalling systems.

Gomes said through a joint effort with law enforcement agencies since 2019, when Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) appointed security guards, there was a reduction in incidents reported.

“This is not the work of ordinary people. We suspect that this is the work of syndicates that are involved in theft and vandalism of the infrastructure.”

He said the criminality was a major setback for Prasa, however, “we are committed to joining forces with other companies faced with the same challenges and law enforcement agencies who have to deal with cable theft daily”.

Gomes said construction work was aimed at rehabilitating the infrastructure to mitigate the occurrence of safety incidents between railway sections and around stations.

He said their division Prasa, had plans to open the corridor using the modern trains, utilising better signalling and other modern systems that would see an improvement in travelling times and reduce overcrowding.

“This as more trains can be put in the section at the same time, giving commuters more choices to plan their trips knowing that there will always be next train on the platform.”

Gomes said the immediate benefits of new modernised infrastructure would create safer, faster, smoother and world-class train services.

“The train services will be introduced in phases and the target date for phase 1 is November 2021, where some of the stations along the line will be operational and phase 2 will see all the stations repaired and operational.”

He said one way the rail agency aimed to protect its new infrastructure was through the construction of high concrete walls along the entire section.

These walls will be fitted with high-tech security systems to monitor the system and detect anyone attempting to gain illegal access. Security personnel will be dispatched to attend to any threat detected along the section.

Overhead bridges would be another measure used to protect commuters and infrastructure.

“They will ensure that it is safer for people to cross the railway line. The number of security guards to look after the section has also been increased.”

He said more than 100 people had been appointed on the projects so far.

“Majority of them are from local communities and some are under SMMEs that have been subcontracted to work on this project and this number is expected to grow.”