Opposition to Choo-Tjoe persists as railway clearing progresses

For the second time, while the work on reviving the George-Knysna railway is making steady progress, John Stegmann of the Garden Route Cycleway Association (GRCA) has submitted a request to the National Assembly for an independent review of the concession granted for the rebuilding of the line.

- Alida de Beer

In 2025, Transnet Freight Rail granted a 25-year concession to Classic Rail and Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe for restoring a steam train service along this line as a tourist attraction.

According to Stegmann, rail operations on the line ceased in 2010, after which the 67km corridor was reclassified as a permanent public way, granting ongoing public access. He argues that it has significant potential for non-motorised transport (NMT), public health, tourism and economic development in the region.