Metrorail KwaZulu-Natal
The Metrorail Durban (also Metrorail KwaZulu- Natal ) is a S -Bahn -like regional transportation system that connects Durban with numerous surrounding towns of the metropolitan area of eThekwini. It is operated by PRASA, which operates three other metro rail networks in South Africa.
General
The routes have the usual in South Africa Cape gauge. They are electrified and be traveled by the vehicles Class 5M2 and Class 10M. The network has 99 stations and stops, traversed by a total of 7 lines. It has a length of about 255 km. Almost all trains run the central Hauptbahnhof (Durban Station) and many end or begin there. Characteristic is the long stretch of the coast lines in the north and south. Total running approximately 142 km of Metro rail network on the coast of the Indian Ocean.
The history of passenger transport ( passenger commuter rail services ) on the territory of modern South Africa began on June 26, 1860 in Durban, as a 3.2 -mile line between the Market Square and the Customs Point was opened. According to the traditions of their first station master, George Russell, the line was carrying more than 800 people on the first day.
The lines
Due to the superposition of many lines on the main route from Durban station in southern direction, there arises a relatively high train density.
The stations on the main line from North to South are:
Old Main Line
This Line ( Old Main Line ) connects the railway station on the main line to the western suburb Pinetown. The stations in the city outward direction are:
New Main Line
This line ( New Main Line ) is running on the only long-distance route that crosses towards Germiston Johannesburg. It ends in Cato Ridge, a major South African heavy industry, about midway between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. The stations in the city outward direction are:
Chatsworth Line
This line connects the city westernmost Chatsworth Durban Station. The stations in the city outward direction are:
Southern Coastline
The southern coast line connects Durban station on the main line and numerous coastal towns (such as Amanzimtoti ) finally Kelso, near Pennigton, about 70 kilometers from the city center of Durban. The stations in the city outward direction are:
Northern Coastline
The northern coastline connects Durban station of seaside towns (including Verulam, Tongaat ) finally KwaDukuza, about 70 km from the city center of Durban. The stations in the city outward direction are:
Between the stations Umgeni and Duff 's Road a few trains run via a different route with the stations Temple, Kenville and Effingham, which in normal operation of the KwaMashu - served Umlazi Line.
KwaMashu - Umlazi Line
This line is the only one on the main line two suburbs ( KwaMashu north of Durban and Umlazi south-west ) connects. End or begin, however, also the main train station Some few moves. The stations from north to south are:
Bluff Line
This line connects the port to the populous Umlazi and Durban Station mainly during rush hour. From Jacobs, the line branches off in two different directions and travel on routes that are also served by other lines. The stations are coming from the port:
- Clairwood - Ross Burgh - Umbilo - Congella - Dalbridge - Berea Road - Durban Station
- Montclair - Merebank - Reunion - Zwelethu - KwaMnyandu - Lindokuhle - Umlazi.