Transnet Freight Rail Restores Full Operations on Cape Mainline After Flood Repairs

Transnet Freight Rail Restores Full Operations on Cape Mainline After Flood Repairs

Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) has fully resumed operations on the Cape Mainline after completing extensive repairs to sections of the railway damaged by the severe floods in July 2024.

In a statement released on Friday, TFR announced that freight operations had returned to full capacity after more than a month of intensive work to restore the line.

“The rail infrastructure sustained significant damage in the De Wet and Sandhills areas, leading to the closure of the Mainline between Worcester and De Doorns.

TFR’s technical teams faced considerable challenges during the recovery process,” the statement said.

Key repair efforts included river diversions, embankment stabilization, and the reconstruction of essential superstructure components, such as ballast beds, sleepers, and rails.

The rail operator highlighted that the project’s complexity was compounded by severe weather conditions, difficult terrain, and compliance with strict environmental regulations.

Despite these obstacles, TFR’s teams worked diligently to restore the line to a safe operational standard.