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Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
TRAVELLERS have welcomed Government’s intention to resume passenger intercity train services saying rail services are a convenient mode of transport which is cheaper compared to vehicles.
This comes after Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona last month, announced that passenger intercity train services will soon resume following the relaxation of Covid-19 containment regulations.
Minister Mhona was responding to questions in the Senate.
The resumption by the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) was expected to coincide with the commissioning of the new diesel multiple units that were expected to replace the old locomotives and carriages now in use.
The diesel multiple units string together carriages each powered by on board diesel engines and a train made up of such carriages requires no separate locomotive, as the engines are incorporated into the carriages.
Travellers said they were waiting to travel by train and experience the service which they said brought back memories.
Mr Charles Musimurimwa said trains were convenient as they cannot be affected by traffic congestion and were given way by motorists when moving.
“Trains have a low risk compared to vehicles because they are not affected by congestion and they are one of the cheapest modes of transport so it will be a relief to us. We cannot wait to have trains back and I think I am going to be one of the first people to board the trains,” he said.
Mr Passmore Dube said the resumption of intercity passenger train services will add convenience to the transport system.
“We used to have a vibrant railway system in Zimbabwe in the early and late 90s so we must restore that glory. I used to travel on train for a long time because I worked in Bulawayo then while my family was in Kadoma. I cannot wait to see our train system booming as it will be a plus not only to travellers but the nation at large,” he said.
Mrs Portia Chakanesta, a crossborder trader, said she used to travel to South Africa using trains and would be happy if the services are restored.
“We used to travel to South Africa with what we called a blue train in the early 90s. Trains are very convenient and you will never encounter any problems whilst on a journey so I would be very happy if the intercity services are restored because I know that sooner or later they will be crossing over to other countries,” she said.
Miss Kudzaishe Mlilo said: “I have never boarded a train because when I was born in 2002 trains were no longer travelling to different cities so it is my wish to embark on a journey using a train when passenger train services are restored.”
Zimbabwe has a 2 600km railway network with 200km of that requiring urgent rehabilitation and Government is engaging various foreign investors to partner the NRZ in reviving its operations.
Online Reporter