Eastern Cape wants freight back on rail

THE EASTERN Cape
Department of Transport is
trying to get freight back
on rail.
“We are looking into
cargo as a major core
function of the line,” said
Provincial MEC for Safety
Liaison, Roads and Transport,
Thobile Mhlahlo.
Speaking at a FIFAWorld
Cup Transport Plan Summit
in Port Elizabeth recently,
Mhlahlo said that the Kei
Rail line between East
London and Mthatha should
be ready for operation by
November this year. The
Eastern Cape government
has funded the reopening
of the line, which will be
privately operated. Another
focus by the department is
a railway renewal strategy
which will link with tourism
development and support
tourism projects like the
Nelson Mandela Cultural
Corridor and the Tsitsikamma
Falls Nature Reserve.