GEORGE NEWS - The return of the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe steam train, which was officially announced on Monday, will not just be the revival of a beloved heritage attraction, but a major economic boost for the entire region.

So says George Tourism Manager Joan Shaw in reaction to Transnet finally granting Classic Rail and Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe access to the railway between George and Knysna for its rebuilding and running the train as a tourist attraction.

Transnet had already awarded the tender last year, but the final details and contracts had to be settled before an official announcement could be made.

"We are over the moon with this announcement," said Shaw. "The Choo-Tjoe has always been more than a train - it's a moving showcase of our spectacular landscapes, our history and our hospitality. We are especially happy that it will both depart and arrive in George, which should stimulate room nights for both George and Wilderness."

Shaw added that its reinstatement is expected to draw thousands of visitors, stimulating tourism activity across not just accommodation, but also dining, transport, gifts and curios and local experiences in the heart of the Garden Route. 

"It reconnects communities, supports jobs and brings new energy to our tourism economy. The magic of the billowing steam and riding along the spectacular coastline again will be a powerful symbol of growth, resilience and renewed momentum for tourism in the Garden Route. We cannot wait to welcome passengers aboard this journey of nostalgia and discovery."

Hope that the line would ever be restored following its closure due to severe flood damage in 2006 had dwindled, but a two-decades-long struggle to obtain the concession did not deter Classic Rail and Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe. 

The company's CEO, Alan McVitty, announced in a statement on Monday that all the necessary contracts had been acquired and the much-needed funding partners were found to rebuild the line and relaunch the Choo-Tjoe.

Implementation in two phases

Plans are to restore and open the line in two phases: first between Knysna and Sedgefield, and then from Sedgefield to George. The first phase should take about 12 months to complete.

Speaking to George Herald, Classic Rail spokesperson Martin Hatchuel said: "Depending on the demand, we might start with the second phase while still working on phase 1. We expect the line between Sedgefield and George to be completed within 18 months from the start of the restoration works."

Initially it will be a passengers-only service, but freight services will be added if needed. This will only be considered once the full line is open. Three train sets will be operational.

Asked about the state of the Kaaimans Bridge, Hatchuel said all the steel in the bridge will have to be replaced, but the pilons are fine.

The locomotives to be used on the line are being repaired in Gauteng, while the carriages will be refurbished in George.

The deserted George Station will be alive with visitors again once the railway is restored. Photo: Alida de Beer

According to McVitty, they plan to open a steam workshop along the line and to road-haul the rolling stock to the Knysna-Sedgefield line to begin the first service. 

"We are kicking our project off clearing the vegetation from the line so that we can properly examine and decide which sections need repair.

"We will also have to survey the bridges as part of our front-end engineering. Project and passenger safety is paramount.

"The rebirth of the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe will bring even more tourism to the Garden Route, with the positive spin-off of much-needed sustainable job creation. Together with local businesses, everybody will gain," he said.

Wilderness Train Station

Lizl van Rooyen, the Imbali founder who has been renting and revitalising the Wilderness Train Station over the past three years, welcomed the news and said they are very excited, and also about the vision for community empowerment that accompanies the revival of the Choo-Tjoe.

"The return of the train will not only reconnect George and Knysna in a meaningful way, but also support the small businesses that have been working hard to preserve the spirit of this place. I believe this is a wonderful step forwards. It is a chance to travel differently, more consciously and to celebrate the living heritage of our region."

Outeniqua Tourism Association chair-person Michael Cook said the Choo-Tjoe was an iconic tourism attraction. "When we started our business [visitor accommodation] way back then, a lot of people stayed over for a ride on it. It's marvellous news."

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