The refurbishment of seven railway stations along the East London corridor is part of ongoing efforts to rebuild South Africa’s passenger rail network, improve commuter safety and restore access to affordable public transport
South Africa continues to restore its passenger rail infrastructure following years of vandalism, cable theft and damage that disrupted services and left several stations unable to operate.
The latest development is the refurbishment of seven railway stations in the Eastern Cape, officially opened by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy on October 27, 2026, as part of the Transport Month.
The newly restored stations are Mtsotso, Fort Jackson, Panmure, Mdantsane, Arnoldton, Mount Ruth and Wilsonia – all located along the East London rail corridor.
They were damaged and vandalised, with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) undertaking rehabilitation work to restore commuter facilities and improve safety.
The refurbishment forms part of PRASA’s wider efforts to rebuild passenger rail infrastructure and reconnect communities to employment and other economic opportunities.
According to the Department of Transport, the work has also created employment opportunities for residents in surrounding communities and provided business opportunities for local small, medium and micro enterprises.