The loss-making Blue Train won’t return anytime soon

The loss-making commuter train stopped operation in January 2020 because it was not convenient, profitable and sustainable to run it. After Botswana Railways (BR) indicated in 2022 that the train won’t return anytime soon, the Minister of Transport and Public Works Eric Molale reiterated this week before Ntlo Ya Dikgosi that that government will not return the passenger bus train because it is not feasible as it was running at a loss.

“Currently my ministry has no plans to revive the use of the passenger train which was halted during the COVID 19 pandemic. It is worth noting that the passenger train has been operating at a loss since inception,” he said. The passenger train losses has been mainly attributed to overhaul and maintenance costs of locomotives and wagons as well as other costs associated with train operations like fuel and wagon hire.