27 August 2007
The Department of Roads and Transport (DoRT) was this week granted a testing
and commissioning permit by the Rail Safety Regulator for Kei Rail, indicating
an important step towards achieving its goal of an operational Kei Rail.
Track measuring machinery and track trolleys have been running on the
railway line between Amabele and Mthatha since March 2007. The testing and
commissioning permit allows for a complete train set of ten coaches to run on
the line to facilitate knowledge and train handling for drivers. The aim of the
testing phase is to ensure that operational matters - such as crossing points
for trains, platform heights, running times and integration with existing
Shosholoza Meyl and bus services are dealt with in detail.
Certain requirements will need to be met to the satisfaction of the Rail
Safety Regulator before a permanent licence can be issued. These include a
comprehensive rule book for the line and identification of risks which will
hinder the proper operations on the line.
The testing and commissioning permit phase will also be testing the
management of the train despatching services from Amabele Station, from where
the DoRT will be managing these services as a Network Operator on the line.
The much anticipated launch of Kei Rail's passenger services is expected in
September 2007.
Rail Safety Campaign
The DoRT is presently conducting a rail safety awareness campaign for
communities living along the line to ensure that they are aware of the dangers
associated with an operational railway line.
As part of the safety awareness campaign, a number of Imbizo road shows and
school visits have been held in communities along the line.
The safety awareness campaign includes a poster campaign, radio and
newspaper advertising, informative pamphlets, school and community outreach
activities.
For more information, contact:
Ncedo Kumbaca
Cell: 082 442 2388
Issued by: Department of Safety, Liaison, Roads and Transport, Eastern Cape
Provincial Government
27 August 2007
