Chikunga said there was a 15% decrease in total train derailment and 13% decrease in level crossing occurrences in 2020/21 when compared to the previous year.
Chikunga said long-term level crossing occurrences had decreased by 52% overall since 2010/11.
“Even though collisions and derailments depict a year-on-year decrease, when you consider the normalised figures which take into consideration the train kilometres, this shows an increase.”
She said people struck by trains and platform train interface indicated a significant decrease.
“However this happens during the year when passenger activity was restricted across the railways.”
For people illegally crossing railway lines, there was a reduction of of 84.79%, which translates to 426 incidents in 2020/21 compared to 2,801 incidents in 2019/20.
“These numbers attest to the fact that we must stay focused and ensure that through our collective efforts, we concretely drive down the number of occurrences and prioritise the safety of both commuters and workforce in our operations,” Chikunga said.
RSR chairperson Johannes Nobunga said when the lockdown was imposed early last year, there was a significant increase in security-related vandalism and theft of rail infrastructure.
Gautrain Management Agency CEO William Dachs said the impact of the lockdown has largely been in terms of the lower number of passengers using its service. He said Gautrain has been able to keep its safety and security levels intact.
Prasa Group CEO Zolani Matthews said the lockdown has seen it suffer large-scale incidents of theft and vandalism of its infrastructure.
TFR CEO Sizakele Mzimela said although the service was affected during lockdown level 5, it was able to operate as it was moving essential goods and saw few incidents of theft and vandalism during level 5. However, TFR saw an increase in theft and vandalism when lockdown restrictions were lifted, she said.
Mzimela said over the past five years TFR has seen an increase of 177% in theft and vandalism on its lines.
In the past year, TFR spent in excess of R1.6bn to protect the lines.
Recommended for you
The UAE-Oman Railway Link (Hafeet Rail) signaling contract is won by Siemens Mobility and Hassan Allam Construction
24 April 2024 (UAE) The 303-kilometer project is the first cross-country undertaking in the Middle East and Arab World, linking the capital city of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, with Sohar, Sultanate of Oman. The network's Oman segment is the Sultanate of Oman's first-ever railway system delivery. Over the 303-kilometer Abu Dhabi – Sohar railway link, Siemens Mobility and Hassan Allam Construction will provide the design, construction, and integration of the ETCS Level 2 signaling, telecom, and power supply systems. Source https://press.siemens.com/global/en/pressrelease/siemens-mobility-together-hassan-allam-construction-wins-signaling-contract-uae-oman
yesterday
Read MoreIn order to modernize the Portuguese railway infrastructure, Thales secures three major contracts
18 April 2024 (Portugal) Together with partners SISINT and CONECTICABO, Thales has successfully negotiated three large contracts worth over 10 million euros to upgrade the mainline railway in Portugal. The Portuguese mainline railway infrastructure's quality, safety, and operation will all be considerably raised by these projects. With many successful signaling system renewal contracts under its belt, Thales is well-positioned to be a major player in the overall modernization of the telecom network. Source https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/transport/press_release/thales-secures-three-major-contracts-modernize-portuguese-railway
yesterday
Read MoreThe first anniversary of the China-Laos international passenger train's inaugural operation
15 April 2024 (China) The first anniversary of the China-Laos international passenger train's operation was celebrated on April 13. All told, the train has carried 700,000 passengers, 180,000 of whom were cross-border travelers from 87 different nations and regions. The operation is secure, steady, and well-organized, with a 100% departure and 99% arrival on-time percentage, respectively. Source https://www.crrcgc.cc/en/g7389/s10408/t347740.aspx Picture Courtesy http://english.scio.gov.cn/beltandroad/2023-04/13/content_85226948.htm
2 days ago
Read More