Delays in repairs to Durban’s KwaMashu and Northern Coast train lines

Delays in repairs to Durban’s KwaMashu and Northern Coast train lines! Repairs to Durban’s KwaMashu and Northern Coast train lines have yet to begin, with estimates suggesting that the process could take more than a year before services are fully restored.

These Metrorail lines suffered extensive damage due to the 2022 floods, leaving large sections of the railway with only a single functioning track. Further theft and vandalism of overhead electrical equipment have worsened the situation, making it impossible for trains to operate on these routes.

Current State of Train Services

At present, only a partial service is available on the KwaMashu line, running between Durban and KwaMashu via Greenwood Park. The service operates between 4:10 AM and 8:10 PM, but due to single-track operation, trains often experience significant delays.

Meanwhile, the Northern Coast line remains completely closed, with no trains running north of Duff’s Road.

Train lines

PRASA and Transnet Negotiations

Back in September 2023, PRASA (Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa) and Transnet, which owns and operates the lines, claimed they were in an “advanced stage” of discussions regarding the refurbishment of the train lines.

At the time, PRASA estimated that repairs would take 18 months once an official agreement was reached with Transnet. However, progress has been slow.

This week, PRASA spokesperson Andiswa Makanda confirmed to GroundUp that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Transnet is still in its final stages.

Once signed, this agreement will allow PRASA to begin repairing key sections of the railway, including:

• KwaMashu line from Umngeni to Duff’s Road via Effingham
• Northern Coast line from Duff’s Road to KwaDukuza (Stanger)

However, Makanda admitted that there is still no confirmed timeline or finalized budget for the repairs.

Commuters Struggling with Delays

GroundUp spoke to Sakhiseni Nzuza, a security guard who regularly commutes through Duffs Road Station. He described the train services as highly unreliable.

“The trains always run very late. I often arrive late for work.”

Despite the delays, Nzuza acknowledged that trains are clean and safe inside, making them a preferred mode of transport compared to alternative public transport options.

While speaking to Nzuza, GroundUp observed a train arriving at Duffs Road Station, but it was heading in the opposite direction toward KwaMashu, meaning passengers heading to Durban had to wait even longer.

PRASA’s Efforts to Improve Services

As part of PRASA’s National Recovery Programme, efforts are already underway to repair signalling equipment on the operational portion of the KwaMashu line.

According to Makanda, once these signalling repairs are completed, the number of trains in operation will increase, reducing waiting times and improving service reliability.

Additionally, a shuttle service between Duffs Road and Bridge City has been introduced to offer some relief to stranded commuters.

What’s Next?

While PRASA has committed to restoring full operations, the lack of clear timelines and budget approval has raised concerns among commuters who rely on these train services daily.

With repairs yet to begin and the Northern Coast line still non-operational, it remains unclear when passengers can expect fully functional and efficient rail services in Durban.

For now, commuters continue to struggle with long delays, and the railway infrastructure remains a critical challenge in KwaZulu-Natal.