Revival of Outeniqua Choo Tjoe chugs along

RESTORATION of the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe route has progressed to track clearing and bridge assessments, with the first phase of the revived Garden Route service planned between Knysna and Sedgefield. The historic steam-train service between George and Knysna was suspended after floods damaged the railway line in 2006. It subsequently operated between George and Mossel Bay before ceasing operations in 2010. Restoration work is under way with the line set to reopen in phases, starting with Sedgefield-Knysna, followed by George-Sedgefield, says Martin Hatchuel, media spokesperson of the Outeniqua. The services will include shorter route options to attract visitors who have limited time. “We are clearing the vegetation from the tracks to make them ready for survey and repair, with the Sedgefield to Knysna section already complete. We have surveyed the bridges and are preparing repair programmes. Currently, we are negotiating with Transnet for the transfer of heritage rolling stock, locos and carriages so that we can begin restoring them.” Classic Rail, a society for the preservation of rail in the Garden Route and Klein Karoo, will undertake the upgrades to the station and railway infrastructure as part of the restoration project. “Significant work is required on the line and bridges, which need to be brought up to the required operational and safety standards,” says Thozeka Sikali, Tourism Information Officer at Visit Knysna. “The focus will be on ensuring that the surrounding environment and broader municipal infrastructure can support the return of the service and the anticipated increase in visitors.” Sikali is confident that when the train is up and running it will benefit the region’s tourism. “The journey itself is the attraction, and we expect that it will complement existing tourism products and create opportunities for accommodation, restaurants, tour operators, activity providers and other local businesses.” In George, discussions with Transnet and Classic Rail are under way regarding the revitalisation of the George Station and the Transnet Heritage Museum. Joan Shaw, Tourism Manager for George, Wilderness and Uniondale, expressed the hope that the restoration of the railway would encourage more visitors to stop in George. The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe has an enduring legacy, she says. “It has been part of many families’ holiday memories. There is a timeless romance associated with steam trains and the experience of travelling through the landscape by rail, which appeals to both young and old. “It’s about the experience, the nostalgia and the opportunity to connect with an important part of our railway and tourism heritage.”