PRASA restores Athlone train station subway after week-long flooding! The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has announced that the subway at the Athlone train station is once again fully operational. This comes after more than a week of severe flooding that left commuters with no choice but to cross the railway tracks on foot, raising serious safety concerns.
Flooded Subway Disrupts Commuters
For over a week, daily commuters at Athlone station faced major disruptions as the subway remained submerged in water. Many were forced to take risky alternative routes, including walking directly over the railway tracks, which is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous.
The issue sparked frustration among passengers who rely on PRASA’s Metrorail services to travel to work, school, and other destinations.
“It was frustrating because we had no other option but to cross the tracks. It’s dangerous, but what else could we do?” said one commuter.
Athlone train station subway
PRASA Confirms the Subway is Functional Again
After receiving numerous complaints, PRASA’s Western Cape property division, PRASA Real Estate Solutions, stepped in to resolve the issue.
PRASA spokesperson, Zinobulali Mihi, confirmed that the subway had been cleared and was safe for use again.
“Our property division in the Western Cape, PRASA Real Estate Solutions, has confirmed that the water was pumped out using a mobile portable pump to clear the subway. Repairs were also done to the vandalised cable, resulting in the permanent pump being fully reinstated and functional.”
This means that commuters can now use the walkway safely, without having to take dangerous detours.
What Caused the Flooding?
PRASA explained that the flooding was caused by a broken pump, which was unable to drain the accumulated water. Additionally, cable vandalism played a role in disrupting the subway’s drainage system.
“The regional subway infrastructure faces regular and significant levels of vandalism,” said Mihi.
This is not an isolated incident, as vandalism of PRASA’s infrastructure has been a widespread problem across South Africa. Many train stations and railway lines have suffered from cable theft, broken lights, and damaged drainage systems, leading to service disruptions.
PRASA’s Efforts to Prevent Future Incidents
PRASA has acknowledged the persistent challenge of vandalism and is working on long-term solutions to protect infrastructure and improve commuter safety.
To prevent further damage to subway pumps and lights, PRASA has implemented protective measures, including:
- Steel frame cages installed around subway lights to prevent theft and destruction.
- Regular maintenance checks on pumps and drainage systems to ensure they function properly.
- Increased security patrols to monitor key areas and prevent vandalism.
“On our end, to protect the lights at subways, we have already implemented preventative measures such as installing steel frame cages,” Mihi stated.
PRASA hopes these measures will reduce the frequency of infrastructure failures and provide a safer experience for passengers.
Commuters Call for More Permanent Solutions
While many commuters have welcomed the reopening of the subway, some remain concerned about the long-term reliability of PRASA’s infrastructure.
“It’s great that the subway is open again, but what happens the next time it floods? PRASA needs to put a permanent solution in place,” said a regular train user.
Some passengers have also suggested that PRASA should:
- Improve station security to prevent vandalism and cable theft.
- Upgrade drainage systems to handle heavy rainfall more effectively.
- Increase communication with commuters regarding maintenance schedules and disruptions.
Conclusion
The reopening of the Athlone train station subway brings much-needed relief to commuters who faced inconvenience and safety risks for more than a week. While PRASA has fixed the immediate problem, the bigger challenge remains—how to prevent infrastructure failures caused by vandalism and poor maintenance.
For now, PRASA assures the public that they are committed to improving the reliability and security of their rail network. However, many believe that only long-term investment and stronger security measures will truly solve the ongoing issues facing South Africa’s railway system.
