Heavy rains halt train services
Metrorail services had to be suspended on all operating corridors due to the heavy rains.
THOSE travelling by train will be affected due to the suspension of the Metrorail services following the heavy rains on Tuesday, 23 April.
Metrorail services had to be suspended on all operating corridors due to heavy rains which resulted in flooding on all corridors and falling of trees and mudslides on the rail network.
During the early hours of today, (24 April), the Track Masters conducted a safety inspection of the line, as usual, this is when the feedback of operating safety was established that no train can run on those conditions.
“PRASA engineers are working on restoring the service but due to the nature of the damage, it is unknown as to how long repairs will take to restore safe operations in the province,” said marketing and communications manager (KZN), Zama Nomngana.
The affected areas are as follows: between Clairwood, Merebank and Manzimtoti Stations have been flooded. Signals and points that safely operate the movement of trains cannot be operated even manually.
Cato Ridge Newline, the sister company to Transnet Freight Rail, has also suspended the line and Cato Ridge at Thornwood. No trains can pass through as Metrorail awaits TFR Perway to fix the line.
North Coast Train no 0294 has been stuck at Kenville tunnel due to the line being covered after the mudslide. This was an empty coach and no passengers were on board as it was going to start its trip for the day from North Coast.
Transnet Freight Rail, the owners of the shared line, had conversations with PRASA Engineers to both suspend the services in all the operating corridors.
“Ongoing line assessments are being carried out by our engineers and constant communique will be shared with the commuters and stakeholders about when we can resume the service.
The climatic changes are having a huge impact on the cost of operations and most importantly, it is affecting our ability to continue with our normal operations. Three years ago KZN experienced unprecedented flooding in the South Coast even on the areas where we had already invested on new civil works and rail tracks. PRASA apologises for the inconvenience and also appeals for patience and understanding during this period. Commuters’ safety and personnel is the number one priority to PRASA,” said Dumi Dube, regional manager KwaZulu-Natal.
It is recommended that commuters consider alternative transport if punctuality is critical to their travel during these trying times.
