Yesterday saw the re-opening by Transnet of its freight line from the Pretoria complex to Pyramid Station (Pretoria North to Hercules), following years of closure as a result of challenges with cable theft and sabotage.
It’s a move that is expected to significantly improve efficiencies and reliable delivery of services to the mining and automotive sectors.
“This initiative is part of the implementation of Transnet's road to rail strategy, and is one of the key projects to revive rail services in the Pretoria area,” said Transnet Freight Rail chief executive, Siza Mzimela.
“It is also part of the Transnet-Prasa collaboration programme recently established between the two entities to identify common challenges and jointly develop solutions to improve service offerings to customers and passengers.”
The line has been out of operation since August 2014 due to theft of signalling equipment and overhead track equipment, which resulted in decreased capacity and longer turnaround times of rolling stock.
“We will curb cable thefts through aggressive initiatives such as reviewing operational methods, augmenting the physical guarding of assets with technology and engineering solutions.
"This we will do in partnership with our key stakeholders such as Prasa and SAPS,” she added.
