Natcor line back on track

The Natal Corridor (Natcor) line is back in full operation after it was shut down for maintenance for two weeks by Transnet Freight Rail (TFR).

From 14 to 23 July 205, TFR conducted its annual maintenance shutdown along the rail line which stretches from Rietvlei in Gauteng to the Durban harbour. The major maintenance activities that took place during the shutdown included:

* the replacement of more than 44 000 sleepers;
* screening and cleaning of ballast;
* cleaning of drainage;
* maintenance of tunnels;
* maintenance of electrical components and systems;
* the replacement of rail; and
* the replacement of turnouts.


“The immediate objectives of the shutdown were to reduce incidents that disrupt our operations and to be able to operate a more reliable and safe scheduled railway that meets our customers’ needs,” said a TFR spokesperson.