Gautrain Services Resume Between Park and Rosebank After Illegal Drilling Disruption

Gautrain services between Park Station and Rosebank have officially resumed after a month-long disruption caused by illegal drilling on private property. The unauthorised borehole drilling, linked to Johannesburg’s ongoing water shortages, resulted in water and soil seeping into the tunnel, forcing a temporary closure for urgent repairs.

Gautrain spokesperson Kasagee Nayager confirmed the restoration of full operations, stating, “From the start of business, trains will operate between Park and Rosebank stations, as well as to and from all other Gautrain stations.”

The Drilling That Stopped Gauteng’s Fastest Transport

The disruption, which began on 15 February 2025, was traced to Hillside Village Body Corporate in Killarney. Engineers discovered that the unauthorised drilling breached the Gautrain tunnel, allowing water to seep in and compromise its structure. The Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) has since launched legal action, citing violations of the Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act (GTIA).

Gautrain CEO Tshepo Kgobe described the drilling as “reckless”, stating, “Such actions endanger critical infrastructure and the safety of thousands of commuters.”

Fixing the Damage: A Weekend of Non-Stop Repairs

To restore services, engineers worked through the weekend of 8-9 March 2025, sealing the breach and reinforcing the tunnel structure. Temporary repairs had allowed limited services in late February, but a full reopening required additional work.

Gautrain provided a free bus shuttle service between Park and Rosebank stations during the repair period, helping commuters find alternative transport.

Legal Action and Tougher Safeguards

The GMA is taking legal action against the Hillside Village Body Corporate, with potential hefty fines or criminal charges on the table. The agency is also reviewing new safety measures, including:

• Increased surveillance of properties above the 80km Gautrain tunnel network.
• Stricter drilling regulations in coordination with local authorities.
• Enhanced monitoring systems to detect underground disruptions faster.

Kgobe assured commuters that these steps will help prevent similar incidents in the future.

Relief for Commuters, But Frustrations Remain

The month-long suspension caused significant commuter chaos, especially for office workers, students, and daily travelers. Many had to rely on alternative transport, leading to longer travel times and increased costs.

“The buses helped, but it’s not the same as the train. I’m just glad it’s back,” said Gautrain user Thandi Mokoena.

While many commuters praised Gautrain’s repair efforts, others called for harsher penalties for those responsible.

With services now restored, Gautrain remains a vital lifeline for Johannesburg and Pretoria commuters, and the lessons from this incident could help strengthen its future resilience.

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