The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe is steaming back to life

The iconic Outeniqua Choo Tjoe, the steam train that once ran between George and Knysna, is officially getting back on track.

The historic line is now 100 years old, and restoration to return it to its former glory began in December.

Martin Hatchuel is the spokesperson for Classic Rail.

“The line was built between 1925 and 1928, and it was not originally only for passengers; it was always a freight line. It was only in about 1996 that the Transnet Heritage Foundation opened up the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe as an icon and passenger service."

For many, the Choo Tjoe holds fond memories, including for CapeTalk host Pippa Hudson, who spent much of her childhood in Knysna, but never actually made it onto the train herself.

"I was always so aware of the fact that it was something that had to be ticked off the bucket list," she says.

The route was widely considered one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world.

“It runs from the Outeniqua Transport Museum in George, along the Merlan river and down to Vic Bay, then through the tunnel, across Kaaimansrivier and along the Lakes District past Touws River, Island Lake, Langvlei and across the Swartvlei to Sedgefield and then from Sedgefield via Goukamma to Knysna and across the Knysna river, of course."

Hatchuel notes that photographs of trains passing over the two bridges have become iconic.

He explains why the passenger line stopped running in 2006.

"We had floods in 2006, and it damaged the railway line in a couple of places, and they had to stop the services."

Attempts to revive the service between Knysna and Mossel Bay in 2010 were unsuccessful.

But now, the iconic route is being given another chance at life, with Classic Rail, having been awarded the tender, at the helm.

"For 20 years, we've been trying to convince Transnet to let us play on the line again."

The revival will happen in phases, first reopening the Knysna to Sedgefield stretch, before extending from Sedgefield to George.

Contractor Afritrack has already cleared 12 kilometres of vegetation.

"It has become quite overgrown," notes Hatcuhel.

Sedgefield Station is set to become the main steam hub, and Hatchuel says trains are currently being repaired in Gauteng, while carriages will be refurbished in George.

“We expect to open the first phase of services between Knysna and Sedgefield in about a year."

The return of the Choo Tjoe is expected to boost tourism along the Garden Route.

To listen to Hatchuel in conversation with CapeTalk’s Pippa Hudson, use the audio player below: