24 July 2007
Track measuring machinery and track trolleys have been running on the tracks
between East London and Mthatha for the first time in years. They are currently
being used by the Eastern Cape Department of Roads and Transport to test the
condition of the line in preparation for the launch of an operational Kei
Rail.
The much-anticipated launch of Kei Rail's passenger services earlier this
year was postponed due to the shortage of experienced train drivers. To get the
launch back on track, the Department of Roads and Transport has employed a
number of experienced drivers who have undergone extensive training in
anticipation of the commencement of the service.
Training has spanned a three month period and has included:
* a refresher course in East London
* train handling on a train simulator at Esselenpark in Kempton Park
* safe working training on, over, under, or adjacent to railway lines near high
voltage equipment
* depot induction and standard operating procedures
* Practical training and certification on locomotives on the line, which will
commence as soon as the testing and commissioning permit has been granted by
the Rail Safety Regulator.
Rail Safety Campaign
The Eastern Cape Department of Roads and Transport launched 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.
The objectives of the safety awareness campaign are:
* to raise awareness that there will be trains running on the line before
the service begins
* to inform communities along the line of the dangers associated with an
operational railway line
* to create awareness of safe rail behaviour in the communities along the
line
* to encourage communities to ensure that their livestock is kept away from the
tracks
* to raise awareness of the role of flag men at level crossings.
The campaign includes a poster campaign, radio and newspaper advertising,
informative pamphlets, radio and print publicity and school and community
outreach activities. Izimbizo have already taken place in certain communities
along the line and industrial theatre groups have visited a number of schools
in the area to drive home the importance of rail safety.
Rolling stock
The Eastern Cape Department of Roads and Transport has leased 20 coaches
from Shosholoza Meyl to operate the service. In addition, the department is
concluding the acquisition of refurbishable coaches for use on the Kei Rail
line.
Sheltham Grindrod Group has provided two 33 Class 200 General Motors Diesel
locomotives with 2 000 horse power each. The Department of Roads and Transport
is currently concluding the acquisition of further additional 33 Class Diesel
locomotives, for refurbishment to the latest technology available
internationally.
Institutional arrangements
The Eastern Cape Department of Roads and Transport has concluded a lease
agreement with Spoornet to enable operations on the line. The lease agreement
was concluded in April 2007. In line with the national government's strategy of
transferring branch lines back from Transnet to Department of Transport, the
Eastern Cape Department of Roads and Transport is pursuing ownership of the Kei
Rail line.
Metro rail and the South African Rail Commuter Corporation (SARCC) has
worked in close partnership with Department of Roads and Transport and will be
operating the stations along the Kei Rail line, managing access to the station
and control of stations. Metro rail and SARCC will also sell passenger tickets
and collect revenue on behalf of Department of Roads and Transport.
Sheltham Grindrod will be running the test phase, as well as operating the
passenger service for an initial phase. The company will also perform carrier
functions on the train for the initial phase of the project. In the longer
term, the Department of Roads and Transport aims to invite private operators to
operate the service. Invitations to tender will be issued in this regard.
Freight infrastructure
A private siding is currently being designed at Zamakulungisa at Mthatha and
tenders will be called for the construction of the siding. The siding will
serve as a transfer point for commodities that will be transported on the Kei
Rail line.
Enquiries:
Ncedo Kumbaca
Cell: 082 442 2388/073 206 6569
Issued by: Department of Roads and Transport, Eastern Cape Provincial
Government
24 July 2007
