The Overvaal tunnel is situated in Mpumalanga, between Ermelo and Piet Retief on the coal line. The
existing line is triple-tracked between Ogies and Broodsnyersplaas, and a double-tracked 501km section
to Richards Bay. The only exception is the 5,2km single line section through the 3,9km long Overvaal tunnel.
This single line section is considered to be an operational risk, as there is no alternative route for trains en
route to/from Richards Bay.
The option of a second tunnel adjacent to the existing tunnel will mitigate the risk of a complete shutdown
of the export coal line should an incident occur in the tunnel. The existing tunnel will be available as a
back-up bypass should operational downtime be required inside the new tunnel. The main motive for this
investment is to protect the revenue generated on the coal line and enable Freight Rail to maintain the
current throughput.