Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe revival gains momentum

The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe steam train is gradually being brought back to life after nearly two decades of decay, marking a significant moment for railway heritage along the Cape’s Garden Route.

Classic Rail, the company awarded the 25-year concession to restore and operate the historic George–Knysna line, reports steady progress in track rehabilitation and rolling stock preparation. Vegetation clearing from Sedgefield eastwards has reached about 12 km, and specialist teams are assessing sleepers and bridges while preparing locomotives and carriages for service.

Once completed, the revived railway will run in phases, beginning with services between Sedgefield and Knysna and later extending toward George

The line was built to carry passengers and freight along the Garden Route and later operated as a heritage railway popular with tourists. Flood damage in 2006 disrupted services and limited operations to a short George–Mossel Bay route. In 2010 Transnet ended the service, arguing it was not part of its core business. Efforts to find a private operator failed, and the line closed permanently despite its tourism potential.

However, not all stakeholders are on board with the railway’s reinstatement. Local advocacy groups have raised concerns about the use of the corridor, arguing that a continuous non-motorised transport route for cyclists and pedestrians could deliver broader public benefits.