Train services between Park Station and Rosebank station remain suspended

The Gautrain service remains suspended between Park Station and Rosebank stations due to illegal drilling on private property above the Gautrain tunnel.
The Gautrain Management Agency issued a media statement on February 16 stating that the drilling resulted in water and soil seeping into the tunnel, affecting train operations in this section.
A bus service will operate at 15-minute intervals between the two stations from 05:30 to 20:00 as a contingency measure.

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The drilling activity was not approved by the requirements of the Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act. This illegal activity, therefore, caused the ingress of water and soil into the tunnel and impacted the ability to operate the system between these two stations.
The Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics Kedibone Diale-Tlabela visited the site on February 16 to assess the work underway to repair the section of the tunnel affected by the seepage.

“Ensuring the safety of passengers remains the primary focus while the repairs are taking place, a Gautrain bus replacement service has been set up between Rosebank and Park Stations,” said Diale-Tlabela.

Gautrain is an 80km high-speed commuter rail system in Gauteng that links Johannesburg, Pretoria, Kempton Park, and O.R. Tambo International Airport.

Parts of the rail network run below ground in tunnels, while the rest of the network runs above ground. The train service continues to operate according to schedule at unaffected stations.

The City of Johannesburg weighs in on illegal drilling of boreholes

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MMC for Public Safety Dr Mgcini Tshwaku stressed the importance of obtaining the city’s approval before drilling any boreholes, whether on private or public property.

Previously, suspects were arrested while drilling a borehole in Johannesburg’s Central Businesses District. Other suspects were apprehended after drilling a borehole in Mayfair.

The City of Johannesburg will ensure that the regulations governing underground water use and boreholes are strictly enforced.

Before drilling can take place, a hydrogeological study must be conducted by a registered hydrogeologist, a permit must be obtained, and all relevant stakeholders, including transport, City Power, Johannesburg Water, EMS, and JMPD, must be informed.

Additionally, it is recommended to consult with a professional and legally registered drilling company that has experience and knowledge of the regulations and by-laws.

“All those found drilling without approval will be arrested, their equipment confiscated, and they will face the full might of the law,” noted Tshwaku.

The City of Johannesburg remains committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting its infrastructure through rigorous by-law enforcement. Residents are urged to report suspicious activity on 0113755911 or contact the MMC for Public Safety directly on 082 060 0057.

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