GEORGE NEWS - The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe (Pty) Ltd reports on its website that it is awaiting the outcome of a tender process for the restoration and operation of the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe on the George-Knysna line.
CEO Alan McVitty writes that in late 2021, Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), the owner of the George-Knysna line, put out a request for proposals (RFP) from the private sector for the restoration and operation of the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe on the line.
"This tender closed on 19 April 2022. Two companies submitted bids. As one of these bidders, The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe (Pty) Ltd assembled a team of track repair contractors, bridge engineers, hydrologists, steam and carriage restoration specialists, tourism specialists, and tourism journalists, among others.
"Most of the members of this team were also members of the recently completed Kruger Shalati Train Hotel on the Bridge at Skukuza in the Kruger National Park," writes McVitty.
In response to a query for further information regarding the tender, Thandeka Ngwenya, senior media relations manager at Transnet, asked for more time to respond.
Media spokesperson for the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe Martin Hatchuel says they hope for an announcement of the outcome of the tender process in February next year.
Background
The railway line has not been in use since it was damaged by floods in 2006/2007. Transnet decommissioned the line in 2010.
Subsequent long-drawn talks between the private sector and Transnet about private entities operating the line had been to no avail and most people have lost hope of the Choo Tjoe steaming along this line ever again.
The news of the tender process now removes doubts about the declaration of the Kaaimans railway bridge as a Western Cape Heritage site while it is clear to anyone that Transnet would not be able to restore it. The bridge was declared a heritage site in October.
George Station
The poor state of the George Station has also been brought to Transnet's attention, but no response regarding this was received before going to print.
'We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news'
