Luxurious Blue Train finally back on the rails after derailment and fire

One of the world’s most luxurious trains is set to head back to the rails and that is the latest information surrounding the South African Blue Train. 
 
The train is expected to return to full service with immediate effect and this follows a lengthy derailing on two occasions. 
 
BusinessTech Africa has gathered that the train derailed before catching fire while in for repairs at the start of the year. 
 
Running between Pretoria/Tshwane and Cape Town, the train is considered one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world.  

Also known and promoted as a moving five-star hotel-on-wheels coupled with fine dining, elegant lounges, and luxury suites, the Blue Train’s origins date back almost a century. 
 
“But for all its legendary splendour, the Blue Train has had a troubled two years, barely operating because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and suffering a series of serious operational setbacks when trying to return,” reports Business Insider SA. 
 

 
“The Blue Train only resumed its full operations in March 2021 after consecutive suspensions owing to harsher levels of lockdown. By May, the Blue Train announced that it had already welcomed tourists from the United States, UK, Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland aboard.” 
 
As operated by state-owned railway operator, Transnet, the locomotive looked set for a full recovery, but in early November, 19 empty coaches derailed at the Union Station Loop in Germiston.  
 
At the time, Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) announced the luxury train would continue to operate throughout the December and January holidays, despite the derailment. 
 
Moreover, the luxurious train would derail again in mid-January this year while at the maintenance depot in Salvokop south of Pretoria Central.  
 
“Three weeks later, a Blue Train coach, which was in for repairs following the November derailment in Germiston, caught fire at Transnet’s engineering facility in Koedoespoort, Pretoria,” posted the website. 
 
“A week after the fire, Transnet announced that the Blue Train’s operations were suspended because of recent unfortunate incidents.” 
 
While Transnet failed to provide any further insight into the nature and outcomes of the probe, it only said it was confident that all safety-critical issues have been attended to during the suspension of service. 
 
“Safety is of paramount importance for the staff and passengers on the Blue Train,” said Transnet thougb spokesperson, Ayanda Shezi. 
 
“A test train has recently been concluded successfully, to ensure that the train is ready to resume services, and passengers will soon be able to continue to enjoy the Blue Train’s award-winning service. Further details on resumption of service will be communicated in the coming days.” 
 
Main Image: Blue Train/Twitter 
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