STATE OF THE CHOO TJOE: SEPTEMBER 2019

Posted on Fri September 27, 2019 in Project updates.
Building the Kaaimans River Bridge 1925-1928. Public domain

Our project to revive one of the Garden Route’s favourite tourist attractions - the much-loved Outeniqua Choo Tjoe steam train - remains firmly on track.

“We’re very aware that everyone wants to get the Choo Tjoe steaming again as soon as possible - especially since it’ll have a real and positive influence on the local tourism economy,” said Classic Rail Director, Alan McVitty.

He said that Transnet Freight Rail has accepted the company’s revised business plan.

“The next step is the finalisation of our 20-year concession, which will allow us to operate trains on the line. 

“We’re currently in discussions with Transnet, and also with various divisions of local and provincial government to agree on a way forward for the project.

“We hope to have some news in the coming months - at which point we should be able to announce our launch date,” said Alan.

Further Reading

Work on the line is preliminary to a comprehensive survey: Outeniqua Choo Tjoe Pty Ltd (OCT) Sat March 14, 2026

The work currently under way on the line is aimed at discovering exactly what will be required in order to reinstate the line and services

Read This Article
Railway property now considered private land Sat March 14, 2026

Only duly appointed contractors are allowed access to the line and adjacent properties

Read This Article
Progress report 27 January 2026 Tue January 27, 2026

Sedgefield to become Choo Tjoe's steam hub

Read This Article