Illegal drilling near tunnel causing disruption to Gautrain service between Park and Rosebank stations
Johannesburg – Unauthorized drilling on private land above a tunnel has caused disruptions to the Gautrain service.
In a statement released on Saturday, (15 February 2025), the Gautrain Management Agency announced: “Gautrain wishes to inform its esteemed customers of a disruption to its operations between Park and Rosebank Stations.”
The high-speed train operator further clarified: “This disruption is a result of water and soil infiltrating the tunnel section of the System.”
Gautrain is an 80-kilometer high-speed commuter rail network in Gauteng, South Africa, connecting Johannesburg, Pretoria, Kempton Park, and O. R. Tambo International Airport.
Sections of the rail network are subterranean in tunnels, whereas other parts are above ground.
“Our investigation has determined that illegal drilling activities took place on a private property situated above the tunnel,” stated the Gautrain Management Agency.
“This activity was not authorized in compliance with the Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act (GTIA).
“Such illegal actions have led to the infiltration of water and soil into the tunnel, thereby affecting our capacity to operate services between these two stations.”
To alleviate the inconvenience for passengers, the Gautrain Management Agency has introduced a bus replacement service between Park and Rosebank Stations.
This bus service will be enhanced to accommodate additional passengers as needed.
“We appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding while we continue our investigations to identify the owners of the private property where the suspected drilling occurred, as well as the remedial measures to restore full Gautrain services,” remarked the Gautrain Management Agency.
“The Gautrain sincerely apologizes for the disruptions caused by this situation and is committed to keeping our customers informed as more details become available.
“We urge all stakeholders to adhere to due processes whenever land use changes or construction activities are planned near transport infrastructure in Gauteng to prevent similar incidents in the future.”