Gauteng Transport MEC Diale-Tlabela says repairs to damaged Gautrain tunnel to be fast-tracked
Gauteng’s Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has confirmed that the assessment and repair of a damaged section of the Gautrain tunnel will be accelerated to ensure a swift resumption of full services.
The disruption, which has affected the route between Park and Rosebank stations, was caused by unauthorized drilling by a private property owner situated above the tunnel. Preliminary investigations revealed that the property owner had not obtained the necessary permission to dig a borehole, which resulted in water and soil leaking into the tunnel and causing structural issues.
Impact on Gautrain Services
The unauthorized borehole drilling has led to a significant disruption of Gautrain’s operations on one of its busiest routes. Passengers have been forced to seek alternative transport between Park and Rosebank stations as the affected section remains closed.
MEC Diale-Tlabela expressed the government’s regret over the inconvenience caused by the service interruption. “Unfortunately, we cannot operate the service further than where the damage is located,” she explained. “We sincerely apologize for the disruption, but we are confident that engineers will quickly identify and implement a solution to ensure the trains can operate fully again.”
Ongoing Investigation and Engineering Solutions
Transport officials have confirmed that a team of engineers is currently on-site, assessing the extent of the damage and determining the most effective solutions to restore the tunnel’s integrity. The focus will be on ensuring the safety of passengers and staff before full services can be resumed.
MEC Diale-Tlabela stated that safety remains the top priority. “Once the engineers have finalized solutions to address the damages, full operations will resume. We appreciate the patience of our passengers and assure them that we are working around the clock to resolve the issue.”
Although no timeline has been provided for the repairs, officials have emphasized that the process will be expedited to minimize further disruptions.
Unauthorized Drilling: A Serious Offense
The preliminary investigation has highlighted that the property owner did not seek the required permissions before commencing with the borehole drilling. Unauthorized construction or drilling near critical infrastructure like the Gautrain tunnel is a serious offense, as it poses significant safety risks and can lead to costly repairs and service disruptions.
The Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) is working closely with law enforcement to determine the full extent of the property owner’s negligence. Legal action may be pursued once the investigation is complete. “This incident highlights the importance of obtaining the proper permits before undertaking any construction near public infrastructure,” Diale-Tlabela emphasized.
Passenger Frustration and Alternative Arrangements
Passengers affected by the disruption have expressed their frustration on social media, with many calling for a quicker resolution and better communication from Gautrain officials. Some commuters have had to turn to ride-sharing services, buses, or private transport to complete their journeys, leading to increased travel times and higher costs.
In response to the passenger concerns, Gautrain officials have provided shuttle services between Park and Rosebank stations to bridge the gap. However, many have noted that the shuttle service has been inconsistent due to high demand.
“We understand the frustration of our passengers and are doing everything we can to restore normal service as soon as possible,” a Gautrain spokesperson said.
Future Prevention Measures
Following this incident, the Gautrain Management Agency is expected to review its protocols for monitoring construction and drilling activities near its infrastructure. Additional measures, such as regular inspections and improved communication with nearby property owners, may be introduced to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Looking Ahead
As engineers work to repair the damaged section of the tunnel, Gauteng’s transport authorities remain committed to providing updates to the public. While the disruption has highlighted vulnerabilities in the system, it has also underscored the importance of stringent regulations and oversight to protect public infrastructure.
Passengers are urged to stay informed by checking Gautrain’s official social media channels and website for the latest updates on service restoration efforts. With swift action and a focus on safety, officials are hopeful that full Gautrain operations will be back on track in the near future.
