Spoornet begins weekly Gauteng-EL container service

LEONARD NEILL SPOORNET HAS taken the first step in the upgrading of the Gauteng-East London rail service by announcing a dedicated container option between the port and two Gauteng destinations, City Deep and Pretkon. The service will be initiated on a weekly basis, starting this month, but the rail authorities are looking at two additional slots on the line which are available and can be utilised if there is sufficient demand. This is the first positive move since both transport minister Jeff Radebe and public enterprises minister Alec Erwin announced recently that urgent attention was to be given to the matter. “It’s great news, and it now needs industry as a whole to support it,” says East London National Ports Authority spokesman Terry Taylor. “Along with the Border-Kei Chamber of Business we will be meeting shipping lines during the next week or two to discuss their current cargo needs and how we can fit into these on a larger scale. We want to get this service on track as soon as possible.” The service upgrade, is aimed at the automotive industry, with the City Deep and Pretoria terminals the starting point for deliveries of motor vehicle exports to the coast. It is also a positive stance against the challenge which Maputo harbour is gearing up to offer Gauteng manufacturers. The transit time from Gauteng to East London is currently 36 hours. Port officials are however satisfied that if and when portions of the line presently utilising diesel locomotives are converted to electrified services, this time will be reduced considerably.