Following heavy rain over the weekend and complicated restoration processes, joint State-owned Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) and business groups managed to clear all 97 derailed wagons from the derailment website on its North Hall by 08:15 on November 14.
The restoration and clean-up operation follows a practice derailment in Nhlazatshe, close to Ulundi, on November 8.
The clean-up was achieved virtually 24 hours prior to was initially anticipated when the restoration and clean-up work resumed in earnest on the night of November 11.
TFR mentioned in a press release that this “main feat” was solely doable due to the collaborative efforts of a broad vary of stakeholders, together with Transnet’s clients and provide chain companions that supplied the specialised heavy-duty gear.
“The Division of Transport, our shareholder Minister – the Division of Public Enterprises, in addition to the provinces of Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng granted emergency approvals for the transportation of the irregular gear,” TFR mentioned.
Moreover, varied policing departments, together with the Site visitors Division, Flying Squad and South African Police Providers, supported the transportation of the heavy-duty gear.
TFR’s North Hall carries heavy haul coal, chrome and different commodities to Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal.
TFR will have the ability to decide the extent of the harm and when regular practice operations can start as soon as the derailment website has been utterly cleared of the spilled coal and particles.
TFR mentioned that the pressure majeure stays in place because the rail line remains to be closed.
