Gautrain
By Lerato Mpembe
Gautrain services between Rosebank and Park Stations have been suspended until 8:30 pm on Sunday to facilitate final repairs necessitated by unauthorized drilling activities earlier this year. The incident, involving a private property owner at Hillside Village in Killarney, led to soil and water seepage into the train tunnel, disrupting operations.
Background of the Incident
In mid-February 2025, unauthorized borehole drilling by the Hillside Village Body Corporate resulted in significant disruptions to Gautrain services. The drilling activity, conducted without the necessary approvals, caused soil and water to seep into the tunnel between Rosebank and Park Stations, leading to an immediate suspension of services on this route. 
Immediate Response and Legal Actions
Following the incident, Gautrain management swiftly suspended services between the affected stations and initiated a bus shuttle service to accommodate commuters. Gautrain CEO, Tshepo Kgobe, announced that legal proceedings against the Hillside Village Body Corporate had commenced, emphasizing the violation of the Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act (GTIA), which safeguards critical transport infrastructure from unauthorized construction activities.  
Repair Efforts and Service Restoration
Engineers and technical teams worked diligently to assess and repair the damage caused by the unauthorized drilling. By late February, services between Rosebank and Park Stations were restored after engineers declared the tunnel safe for operations. Gautrain management expressed gratitude to customers for their patience during the disruption and commended the technical teams for their swift and effective repair work. 
Current Suspension for Final Repairs
The current suspension until 8:30 pm on Sunday is to allow for final repairs on the route to ensure the long-term safety and reliability of the service. Commuters are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and utilize alternative transport options during this period. Gautrain management has reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards and minimizing inconvenience to passengers. 
Legal Implications and Future Preventive Measures
The unauthorized drilling incident has highlighted the critical importance of adhering to regulations governing construction activities near essential infrastructure. The Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act (GTIA) prohibits unauthorized construction or drilling near critical transport infrastructure without proper authorization. Violations can lead to severe safety risks and legal consequences.  
Gautrain management has urged all stakeholders to follow due process when planning land use changes or construction activities near transport infrastructure in Gauteng to prevent such occurrences in the future. The agency continues to work closely with law enforcement and city authorities to hold the offenders accountable and ensure the integrity of public transport systems.  
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