The amount of inoperable Transnet track in South Africa is highly concerning. Image: File/Fotor
This is HOW many kilometres of Transnet track is now inoperable
You’ll be shocked at how much Transet track is now inoperable since cable theft and corruption has led the parastatal to ruin.
The amount of inoperable Transnet track in South Africa is highly concerning. Image: File/Fotor
The Minister of Public Enterprises has let slip just how much Transet track is inoperable at the moment. As reported by Daily Investor, the minister was responding to parliamentary questions last week when the shocking figure of inoperable Transnet track was mentioned.
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In 1994, the most efficient railway system in Africa – and certainly one of the best in the world – was handed over to the African National Congress. In 30 years, the deterioration has been swift and startling.
INOPERABLE TRANSNET TRACK
Minister Gordhan says, in total, 3 636 km of railway track has deteriorated into inoperability since 1994. To put that into perspective, that’s the equivalent distance of travelling to Johannesburg to Cape Town two-and-a-half times.
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Worse still, this figure of inoperable Transnet track does not include a submission from the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA). Transnet Freight Rail has been plagued by theft, vandalism, and a general lack of maintenance over the past 30 years.
ACTION BEING TAKEN
Despite this, the minister said actions are being taken to ensure the efficient movement of goods to and from the country’s ports. Transnet Freight Rail performed dismally in the past financial year, posting a loss of R1.6 billion for the last six months through September.
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Jan Havenga, a Professor at Stellenbosch University, believes far more than 3 600 km of Transnet track is inoperable. He’s estimations put it far closer to 75% of South Africa’s entire railway infrastructure.
RAIL CORRIDOR
The major Durban-Johannesburg railway corridor was designed with a capacity to handle 70 trains daily. However, at times in 2023 it was used to transport less than ten trains per day. According to Havenga, when railways stand idle, that is when they are easier to vandalise.
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