Question NW1107 to the Minister of Public Enterprises
06 November 2019 - NW1107
George, Dr DT to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether, with reference to the closure of the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe train, operating between George and Knysna, any progress has been made to restore the line and re-open it; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of (a) any progress made to date and (b) estimated date of re-opening?
Reply:
According to information received from Transnet SOC LTD:
No progress has been made to physically restore the line. Significant planning towards the restoration and re-opening is taking place. (a) A proposal from the private sector has been received and is currently in the final process of evaluation. The earliest time that the proposal can be fully supported and approved will be at the end of the first quarter of 2020. (b) The work towards the restoration will commence at the end of 2020 with initial operations, not on the full extent of the line, will be towards the end of 2021.