National Railways of Zimbabwe plan World Cup trains

The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), in partnership with a local hospitality concern, plans to introduce a safari train between Harare and Johannesburg during the month-long 2010 Soccer World Cup events.

Plans are at an advanced stage with trial runs between Harare and Johannesburg expected in December. To be known as Rail Leisure Premier Classe, service is to equal that of a three-star hotel. NRZ public relations manager Fanuel Masikati told The Sunday Mail Business “We are introducing a train from Harare to Johannesburg in conjunction with a player in the hospitality industry. We are presently refurbishing and upgrading our coaches for this programme. We have the capacity and the expertise in this business and we will be on track to unveil Rail Leisure, come the 2010 World Cup.

“We are not new in this business. We presently have a safari train locally but the Harare-Johannesburg route will cater for visitors to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. We have highly trained staff that will be manning the trains. They have been extensively trained by the Bulawayo School of Hospitality.”

According to Masikati, steam locomotives are to be re-introduced early next year as these are an attraction for tourists. “Steam trains are an instant hit with most foreign tourists since Zimbabwe is probably the only country in the world that still has them.”

NRZ says it is rehabilitating rail infrastructure to ensure safe travel.

Source: Railways Africa