[imagesource:classicrail/facebook]

Folks with fond memories of puffing along the George to Knysna route aboard the famous Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe might have something to get excited about.

After the closure of the line following severe flood damage in 2006, a private consortium, Classic Rail, came to the fore with a proposal to operate the Choo-Tjoe steam train and line on a private basis.

Initially, it looked as if they would be granted permission to have train services on the track restored, but in 2020 Transnet stopped this process and put the operation of the line out to tender rather.

The estimated time for the outcome was February 2023, but according to Transnet Freight Rail head of communications Mary Papaya, the tender had to be readvertised in April of last year as some tender documents did not meet certain requirements.

The tender process called for proposals for “the supply, concession and transport of Transnet-owned heritage rolling stock, and the use of permanent way and real estate for rail tourism and freight purposes on the line for a period of up to 25 years”.

Tenders for the line have now been received, and it seems like it’s full steam ahead.

“The technical evaluation of bids has already been completed and the governance processes are being finalised.”

One of the main features of this trip is also one of the biggest hurdles to reopening the line – the spectacular Kaaimans Bridge.

Concerns have been raised over hikers using the Kaaimans Bridge, which has become dangerous to cross because of its extreme deterioration. Papaya said signs and razor wire fencing have been installed since 2021 to warn and prevent public access.

“Our investigations show that the signs are being removed, either as acts of vandalism or by trespassers who want to gain access to the bridge.”

Rail Network is in the process of installing a more solid structure to barricade access to the bridge. “The public needs to understand the danger of trespassing on that bridge. Anyone found trespassing will face arrest and prosecution.”

The Kaaimans River Railway Bridge was named 2019’s National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark of the Year, but anyone who has been there lately would know that it has become sketchy as hell. The bridge, a well-recognised and iconic feature of Wilderness, was completed in 1928 and carried freight and passengers until 2006 when the line was damaged by heavy flooding and train services were suspended.

George Mayor Leon van Wyk said the Garden Route economy has missed out on nearly R5 billion of economic activity since the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe ceased service.

It will be quite a site to see Choo-Tjoe puffing its way across the bridge again. Fingers crossed.

[source:georgeherald]