�Classy� Blue train returns next month

Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Friday January 29, 2016 16:14

 

Botswana Railways (BR), which operates the train, discontinued its operations in 2009 as it was deemed unsustainable and unsafe. After almost seven years of absence, the ‘Blue train’ makes a return in March.

Speaking during his tour of the Gaborone train station this week, Mabeo said bringing back the passenger train will mitigate congestion along the A1 road. The project will cost approximately P280 million.

“We have budgeted P280 million for the whole process which include procurement of the coaches, refurbishment of the terminals at the stations and setting up of the ticketing system in line with modern times. We want the train to have class in line with modern times,” he said.

Although Mabeo was cagey to say how much has been spent on the coaches, he said that the bulk of the P280 million will be spent on the procurement of the wagons. He stated that the 37 coaches of different classes are currently being manufactured in South Africa. Only six stations of Lobatse, Gaborone, Mahalapye, Palapye, Serule and Francistown are undergoing refurbishment in preparation for its return.

He said that the infrastructure at these stations will be key to supporting the smooth operations of the train. Unlike in the past, the train will not allow the drinking of alcohol on board.

Government had initially set to return the train in December 2015 but failed due to tendering issues.

“We lost three months because those who bid for the tender did not qualify so we had to do it again; that’s why we had to move to the end of March date,” said Mabeo.

BR chief executive officer Dominic Ntwaagae said although contracting issues delayed the return of the passenger train, this will not impede its re-introduction in March. He said that the contractor has promised to deliver the project on time as well as within budget.