Victoria Falls Tourist Train to Continue as Government Prioritises Railway Network
Buhlebenkosi Nkomo
VICTORIA FALLS — Government says its priority is to establish a functional railway line and restore the operational capacity of the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) before Zimbabwe considers bullet trains.
The issue was raised in Parliament on Wednesday after a legislator asked Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona about the recapitalisation of NRZ, modernising rail networks and measures to introduce bullet trains.
Mhona said Zimbabwe first needed a functional railway line capable of carrying cargo so that roads were not burdened.
“Before we talk of bullet trains, we need a functional railway line which makes sure that we carry our cargo so that we do not burden our roads,” Mhona said.
He said the initiative had already started under NDS2, with Government calling for collaboration from the private sector, including the provision of rolling stock.
Mhona said a commissioning would take place the following week, involving the private sector joining NRZ to rehabilitate locomotives and provide wagons.
He also said Zimbabwe already has a tourist train, which “plies the Victoria Falls Road.”
“It is not a bullet train but it is there to service our tourists and we will continue having that,” Mhona said.
He said Government’s priority was to have a vibrant railway line, encourage cargo to be directed onto the railway line, and restore NRZ’s operational capacity.
