Gautrain Services
By Mpho Moloi
Gautrain services have resumed between the Park and Rosebank stations after being halted over the weekend for repair work. The disruption, which began last month, stemmed from illegal drilling on a private property above the station that allowed water and soil to seep into the tunnel. Gautrain spokesperson Kasagee Nayager confirmed that commuters can now enjoy full train services across the network, stating, “The full train service will operate. So, from the start of business trains will operate between Park and Rosebank stations as well as to and from all other Gautrain stations.”
A Vital Lifeline for Gauteng Commuters
The Gautrain, South Africa’s first rapid rail system, connects Johannesburg, Pretoria, and OR Tambo International Airport, offering a fast and reliable transport option for Gauteng residents. Since opening in 2010, it has carried millions of passengers, easing traffic on the province’s busy roads. With over 40,000 daily users, the Gautrain is a cornerstone of public transport, making any service interruption a major concern for commuters.
Last month, on 15 February 2025, services between Park and Rosebank stations ground to a halt. The cause? Unauthorised drilling on a private property in Killarney, identified as the Hillside Village Body Corporate. This illegal activity damaged the tunnel, allowing water and soil to flood in, threatening both safety and operations.
What Happened: The Drilling Debacle
The illegal drilling was an attempt to dig a borehole, likely driven by Johannesburg’s ongoing water shortages. The city has faced intermittent water supply issues in recent years, pushing some residents and businesses to seek their own solutions. However, the Hillside Village Body Corporate failed to secure the required permits or notify the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA), breaching the Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act (GTIA).
The incident caused more than just a temporary shutdown. Engineers found that the tunnel’s structural integrity was at risk, prompting an urgent response. Gautrain CEO Tshepo Kgobe described the drilling as “reckless,” warning that such actions endanger critical infrastructure. The seepage forced the suspension of services on one of the network’s busiest routes, leaving commuters scrambling for alternatives.
Fixing the Problem: A Weekend of Hard Work
The Gautrain team sprang into action after the initial disruption. By late February, temporary repairs allowed limited services to resume, but a full fix required more time. Over the weekend of 8-9 March 2025, engineers worked non-stop to seal the breach and reinforce the tunnel. They used specialised materials to stop the water flow and strengthen the structure, ensuring it could safely handle the weight of passing trains.
To keep commuters moving during the final repair phase, Gautrain provided a free bus shuttle service between Park and Rosebank stations. The effort paid off, with full train operations restored on Monday, 10 March 2025. “We’re grateful to our passengers for their understanding and to our teams for their dedication,” Kgobe said in a statement.
Commuter Chaos and Community Response
The month-long disruption hit commuters hard. Park Station, located in Johannesburg’s bustling CBD, and Rosebank, a key business and shopping hub, are critical stops on the Gautrain network. Many passengers, including office workers and students, had to rely on taxis, buses, or private cars, adding time and cost to their daily trips.
“It was a nightmare,” said Thandi Mokoena, a regular Gautrain user. “The buses helped, but it’s not the same as the train. I’m just glad it’s back.” Social media buzzed with similar sentiments, with some commuters praising Gautrain’s communication efforts while others called for tougher penalties for those responsible.
Cracking Down: Legal Action and New Safeguards
The GMA isn’t letting the incident slide. The agency has launched legal action against the Hillside Village Body Corporate, citing violations of the GTIA. Penalties could include hefty fines or even criminal charges, sending a clear message that tampering with transport infrastructure won’t be tolerated.
Beyond the courtroom, Gautrain is stepping up prevention efforts. The agency plans to boost surveillance of properties above its 80-kilometre tunnel network and work with local councils to tighten drilling regulations. “We’re reviewing our safety protocols to make sure this doesn’t happen again,” Kgobe added. These moves aim to protect the system that keeps Gauteng moving.
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