BR Express- Rise of the ‘phoenix’
Source : Kutlwano
Author : Pako Lebanna
Location : Mahalapye
Event : Train feature
Article: Pako Lebanna
Photos: Godfrey Mpuse
A week after late autumn rains poured across Botswana, a picturesque countryside was soon visible as the land, having absorbed the downpour, germinated greener pastures.
The serene, tranquil countryside that had been starved of moisture was brought to life as the trees and shrubs looked regenerated.
Just as the downpours breathed life into the country`s vegetation, the launch of the first passenger train after a seven-year hiatus also generated excitement amongst public transport users.
A triumphant mood punctuated the air as the passenger train, named ‘BR Express` pulled into its first stop at the Gaborone Station.
As dignitaries and media practitioners disembarked the train after the inaugural ride from Lobatse, the large crowd cheered as if rock stars had just appeared to an adoring teenage audience.
Batswana were clearly excited to have the passenger train back which bore testament to the fact that public interest had necessitated the train`s return.
“The government accepted recommendations from a study commissioned by Botswana Railways (BR), through the Ministry of Transport and Communications, which showed high public demand for the passenger train to be brought back,” President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama during the launch at the foot of Peleng Hill in Lobatse.
During the initial ride from Lobatse to Francistown, Batswana waved profusely along the old train station route; villages such as Pilane, Artesia and Dibete - one lady excitedly waved the national flag in Serule.
The President had earlier on revealed that the passenger train service was halted in April 2009 as it was no longer deemed a viable business. Train coaches were then in an unacceptable condition leading to a high level of risk exposure for both BR and commuters.
But careful consideration, factoring in high traffic density congestion on the roads and public demand for rail travel had since led to the decision to return the service, officially called the BR Express.
“I know many of us used to and still refer to the passenger train as ‘The Blue Train;` possibly derived from its predominantly blue branding. Although the name was very popular, it was never an official name for the service as BR is very much aware that there is a registered brand name ‘The Blue Train` owned and operated by another entity ,” President Khama said.
He added that the train would travel the Lobatse to Francistown route with stops at Gaborone, Mahalapye, Palapye and Serule stations along the way, “with a view of considering the introduction of commuter trains in the future.”
BR chief executive officer (CEO), Dominic Ntwaagae, said since announcement of the reinstatement of the passenger train, they had been working on procurement of passenger carriages. A further process of the rehabilitation of stations was being undertaken as well.
Engineered by Transnet in South Africa, an initial batch of 22 carriages out of the full compliment of 37 have already been delivered.
Designed to global standards, the BR Express has standard, business, ‘sleeper` and economy class coaches; as well as buffet car, generator van and luggage van. Air conditioning, wifi and entertainment systems are other modern features.
“Designed by Africans for Africans,” summed up Transnet Engineering CEO Thamsanqa Jiyane in Lobatse.
As we travelled on the train from Lobatse to Francistown, Kutlwano had an informative chat with Mahalapye`s Kgosi Duncan Segotsi.
“We are excited about the return of the train,” he said, reclining on a comfortable business class seat. “Mahalapye hosts the headquarters of Botswana Railways and our village has a history tied to rail travel,” added Kgosi Segotsi.
Kgosi Segotsi then detailed how construction of the railway across colonial era Botswana - the Bechuanaland Protectorate - was intrinsically tied to Cecil John Rhodes` grandiose ‘Cape to Cairo` ambitions for British colonial expansion.
“In the 1880s Rhodes` British South Africa company built a railway from Vryburg and Mafikeng in South Africa, across Bechuanaland, reaching Plumtree and Bulawayo in the then Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). As time went on, Mahalapye was located as a halfway stop where the steam train could refuel,” said Kgosi Segotsi.
With the trains stopping overnight in Mahalapye to be reloaded with coal, the village gradually became an important centre.
“We had Xhosa people coming to work in the rail industry, white traders setting up shop, and people moving in from various Central District villages as well as the Herero who had fled German occupation in South West Africa (Namibia). Mahalapye attracted different people as a rail hub, also becoming a recruitment centre for migrant labour headed for South African mines. Bangwato regent Kgosi Tshekedi appointed Mompati Segotsi from Goo Konyana ward in Serowe to oversee the village,” Kgosi Segotsi revealed.
As the BR Express reached Mahalapye, excitement was obvious as a sizable crowd cheered.
The historical soul of the village was back; also the historic nerve of travel and modern development in Botswana.
The country had little in the way of automobile travel at independence with only 6Km of tarred roads in the 1960s. The older generation of Batswana always knew rail travel as the country`s pivot of modern travel.
Now as the nation reflects during 50 years of independence, this historic mode of travel has returned, modernised, emblazoned in national colours, to much glee from a united and proud nation.
