Kei Rail

Rail line

Kei Rail

Overview
Termini|

* AmaBhele
* Mthatha

History
Opened| 2008
Technical
Track gauge| 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)

Kei Rail is a railway project in South Africa.

The Eastern Cape government restored rail services between AmaBhele and Mthatha,[1] on an abandoned branch from the East London-Springfontein main line. Infrastructure was rebuilt, and passenger services restarted in March 2008. The local Department of Roads and Transport leases the network from Transnet Freight Rail, and Sheltam Grindrod are subcontracted to operate trains.[2][3]

The project was part of a broader development plan for the region. The line has also been used by the Phelophepha health train. ECDORT planned several other projects to restore disused infrastructure in the province. However, funding was threatened and the service was not connected with the rest of the South African rail network;[4] Kei Rail suspended services in November 2010[5] but resumed in June 2011.[6]

20 coaches were repossessed by Transnet Rail Engineering, and sold to an Angolan railway operator in September 2011.[7]

In September 2012 PRASA withdrew their support as station operator and on 31 October 2012 the Eastern Cape Department of Transport suspended the service due to lack of funds for the service. As of 2023, the train has not resumed service.

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "allAfrica.com: South Africa: Kei Rail Project's Safety Permit Renewed". 17 October 2010. Retrieved 17 October 2010.
2. ^ "Kei Rail (South Africa)". Jane's Information Group. Retrieved 17 October 2010.
3. ^ "Kei Rail project steams ahead - SouthAfrica.info". Retrieved 17 October 2010.
4. ^ "KEI RAIL". Railways Africa. Retrieved 17 October 2010.
5. ^ "KEI RAIL – GROUNDED". Railways Africa. Retrieved 1 December 2010.
6. ^ "KEI RAIL BACK IN OPERATION". Railways Africa. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
7. ^ "News in Brief". Railway Gazette International. 13 September 2011. Retrieved 14 September 2011.