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Gautrain Resumes Operations After Illegal Borehole Pierces Underground Line
The Gautrain service has resumed between Johannesburg’s inner city and Rosebank after an illegal borehole drilled by a Killarney resident caused significant disruption.
Last Saturday, the underground rail section was closed when a train driver noticed mud and water seeping into the tunnel. An investigation revealed that the owner of a property above the tunnel had illegally drilled a 50-metre borehole, which pierced through a section of the train line.
As a result, Gautrain management had no choice but to suspend the affected section of the service and implement a bus detour between the two stations. This contingency measure lasted from 5.30am to 8pm daily, with passengers relying on buses until repairs could be completed.
On Monday, the Gautrain confirmed that repairs had been successfully carried out. “Our engineers have patched things up, filled the hole, and declared the tunnel safe for travel. You can now return to the subterranean bliss you’ve come to know and love,” the company said on Facebook. They acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the bus detour and expressed their appreciation for passengers’ patience during the unexpected disruption.
Tshepo Kgobe, CEO of the Gautrain Management Agency, announced that legal action would be initiated against the property owner for violating local by-laws and for breaching the Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act. Kgobe stressed that no digging or drilling is permitted without prior permission from the city.
He also confirmed that the damages from the illegal drilling are estimated at around R1 million.
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