Cape Main line freight rail operations halted after heavy rains damage infrastructure

27th March 2023 By: Schalk Burger - Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor

State-owned Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) says the Cape Corridor has suspended all train operations on the Cape Main line owing to washaways caused by heavy rains on the evening of March 24.

The rail formation was damaged in two sections on the single line between Beaufort West and Worcester, impacting on freight trains as well as the Blue Train.

TFR teams have begun preliminary work to restore the service roads, which also suffered damage during the heavy downpours. The major works will be conducted during the coming week.

"We continue to monitor the weather conditions forecast to ensure the safety of our teams working on the recovery. Operations will resume promptly after the line has been declared safe for train movement," TFR said.

Customers have been notified about the extent of the infrastructure damage and the resultant impact to operations.

Transnet had provided overnight accommodation in Cape Town and flights for passengers who were travelling on the Blue Train trip destined for Tshwane from Cape Town, it noted.