Rail repairs back on track for return of train services from Durban to Tongaat, KwaMashu
Over a year ago, thousands of commuters who depended on trains for travelling from KwaDukuza to Durban were left with no choice but to find alternative transport.
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) is planning to return trains to the North Coast from next Wednesday.
First to return will be the Durban to Tongaat and Durban to KwaMashu and Bridge City lines, with repairs beginning on the train lines to KwaDukuza.
The only alternative available to most people are taxis, which cost double or triple the price of a train ticket.
Prasa spokesperson Zama Nomnganga said the services on the North Coast line will be limited, however.
“Services will be introduced from Durban to Tongaat for now as we have challenges to go further north. Because the lines are being harvested by cable thieves, it is a challenge and dangerous to run trains under those conditions. The North Coast line is owned and maintained by Transnet. They have been fixing and installing signal equipment, but these were stolen the following day.”
He said the cost of repairing train stations will not affect ticket prices as all projects fall under capital funding approved by Treasury.
“On June 1 we will resume limited services on the northern corridor as we will be using diesel locomotives to haul the sets. We will start refurbishing the infrastructure and stations that have been severely vandalised. This will come as a relief to our commuters who have been suffering to afford higher taxi and bus fares. Trains are the most affordable mode of transport in the world and convenient too,” said Nomnganga.
He added the cost of refurbishing went into the millions. Once completed additional security will be employed to protect infrastructure.
“Not only commuters will benefit, but also vendors who sell fruit and vegetables to passengers. Normally they could be seen walking from coach to coach, selling their products, along with comedians, musicians and even preachers. The return of trains means the return of community business, social and religious sections activities.”
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