Bush clearing begins on Choo Tjoe Track

Posted on Wed December 3, 2025 in Project updates.

Overgrown track opened to allow proper engineering assessment

Media release: Immediate. 3 December 2025

Issued by Classic Rail/Outeniqua Choo Tjoe

Martin Hatchuel 084 951 0574

[email protected]

Bush clearing begins on Choo Tjoe Track

Classic Rail and the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe company began this week to clear the vegetation that has overgrown the George-Knysna line in many places.

Alan McVitty, CEO of Classic Rail and the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe said that this was necessary so that engineers can make a proper assessment of the line in order to finalise the capital expenditure that will be required to put the iconic train back on track.

Clearing began at the Sedgefield Station, and will continue towards Knysna, with the George-Sedgefield section to be cleared in the second phase.

Classic Rail was awarded the concession to rebuild the track and rolling stock, and operate the train at a ceremony at the Outeniqua Transport Museum on the 27th of October this year.