Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) has suspended operations on the Cape Mainline after a section of the rail network washed away during stormy weather last week.
TFR announced in a statement on Friday that all train operations on the Cape Mainline had been suspended due to wash-aways of the section between Worcester and De Doorns, caused by the inclement weather conditions affecting the Western Cape.
“The rail formation has been swept away, resulting in major damage to the infrastructure and overhead equipment. This has necessitated the closure of the Mainline, impacting freight train traffic as well as the Blue Train,” TFR said.
Passengers on the Blue Train en route to Cape Town were safely transported by shuttles to their destination.
“Cape Town-bound trains are currently staging at the rail yard in Beaufort West and customers have been notified about the extent of the infrastructure damage and the resultant impact to operations. A section of the Voorbaai branch line has also been washed away,” TFR said.
“Technical teams are monitoring and inspecting the line for any further damage and will commence with restorative work as soon as the weather conditions subside,” the rail network operator said.
