NO PLANS TO CHANGE SA GAUGE
Posted on 05 February 2010 by Railways Africa Editor
There are no plans to change the gauge of South Africa’s railways from the existing 1,067mm “Cape Gauge” to the 1.435 metre “Standard Gauge”, Transnet acting chief executive officer Chris Wells told Parliament’s portfolio committee on communications on 3 February. He was quoted saying that it is not thought “appropriate” to change
the network in the medium term. “There has been a lot of discussion of moving to standard gauge, which will allow faster speeds,” he said. “We don’t believe it appropriate. Unfortunately, we are all on the rail gauge known as Cape Gauge”.
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A reaignment of tracks, cutting out sharpish curves, more tunnels and bridges (instead of hugging the landscape) would probably achieve the same results as a shift to standard guage – and cost much less. The main advantage of broader gauges is surely the ability to go double-deck or double stack with greater stability.
If Mr Wells was correctly reported on the issue of gauge, and only said ….”will allow faster speeds”, them I’m afraid that TFR’s Management is out of touch with the reality and the scope of the narrow gauge problem.
Faster speeds are only one of the benefits of standard gauge; the major benefits however relate to being able to operate double-stack container wagons, to be able to source more powerful and efficient locomotives, to not pay a premium for narrow gauge rolling stock (freight or passenger), to be able to source relatively cheap secondhand rolling stock, to achieve higher levels of safety (overturning) – the list goes on and on.
So I am afraid that if this is considered view of TFR Management, goodbye TFR, you are now well on the slippery slope!