Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) has lifted the force majeure imposed on the export coal line following the derailment of a fully laden coal train two weeks ago.
TFR announced in a statement on Friday that it had lifted the force majeure, which it declared on the line on November 10, after critical restoration work had been completed.
This comes after TFR, working with private sector teams, cleared the railway tracks of the 97 wagons that had derailed on November 8.
The derailment, which occurred between Bloubank and Nhlazatshe stations, caused massive damage to infrastructure and rolling stock, leading to the closure of both lines.
“This impacted the service from the mines to Richards Bay, hampering the performance of contractual obligations by Transnet and coal export parties,” TFR said.
“A joint recovery operation between Transnet, the coal export industry, and other stakeholders, worked around the clock to ensure that the service line is restored to full operational efficiency.”
TFR said it had reopened both railway lines on November 19 but it was not in a position to resume normal services at full capacity on the coal line as some critical restoration works still needed to be completed.
“The recent assessment of the site indicates that the normal resumption of services on the coal line can be immediately phased in,” TFR said.