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Empangeni-Nkwalini Branch LineThis is the only line in South Africa today where
sugarcane is
transported although many other lines once provided this
service. The branch was opened in 1930 to serve
agriculture in the Upper Mhlatuze River Valley.
The line is 64 km in length, it has a 1 in 50
compensated ruling gradient, and the maximum permissible
wagon axle-load is 18.5 tons. Trains collect sugarcane
loads from 16 points on the line during the cutting
season between April and December each year. Two Class 34
diesels are normally used on trains, bringing empty wagons
up the line and collecting loads on the return journey
which is largely downgrade. Two locos can haul 1,610 tons
from Nkwalini to Heatonville, 2,530 tons to Empangeni and
2,240 tons to the Felixton Mill. Since wagons are vacuum
braked, a maximum of 40 wagons can be hauled – a
theoretical total of 2,480 tons. In practice, through
loads cannot exceed 2,240 tons, or 36 loads.
In 2005/2006, 435,744 tons were hauled. Over a
period of time, the actual amount depends on prevailing
agricultural conditions. In addition to sugarcane, there
is a potential for moving export tropical fruit. For Details of
Volumes and Commodities Received
and Forwarded [Table 6]CLICK HERE
Nkwalini branch sugar cane wagon being raised
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