Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) has completed the recovery and reconstruction of the Cape Mainline after severe storms caused widespread damage and major washaways in the Western Cape.
TRIM Chief Executive Moshe Motlohi said the reopening demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to a safe, reliable and resilient rail network, particularly in responding to disruptions caused by extreme weather.
Heavy rain, strong winds and flooding on 11 and 12 May damaged railway infrastructure at several locations, including five sites around Worcester and two major washaways at Leeu-Gamka in the Karoo.
The damage forced parts of the Cape Mainline to remain closed for more than two months.
TRIM said it quickly deployed its own teams and worked with external stakeholders to carry out repairs safely while limiting the impact on rail operations.
The restoration work included rebuilding washed-away track formations and supporting infrastructure, reinstating track structures and overhead equipment, and replacing storm-damaged mast poles.
The line reopened to diesel-hauled trains on 31 July 2026. It was fully restored for electric train services in August following the completion and commissioning of the reinstated overhead equipment.
TRIM Chief Executive Moshe Motlohi said the reopening demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to a safe, reliable and resilient rail network, particularly in responding to disruptions caused by extreme weather.
Heavy rain, strong winds and flooding on 11 and 12 May damaged railway infrastructure at several locations, including five sites around Worcester and two major washaways at Leeu-Gamka in the Karoo.
The damage forced parts of the Cape Mainline to remain closed for more than two months.
TRIM said it quickly deployed its own teams and worked with external stakeholders to carry out repairs safely while limiting the impact on rail operations.
The restoration work included rebuilding washed-away track formations and supporting infrastructure, reinstating track structures and overhead equipment, and replacing storm-damaged mast poles.
The line reopened to diesel-hauled trains on 31 July 2026. It was fully restored for electric train services in August following the completion and commissioning of the reinstated overhead equipment.
