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NRZ lagging behind- reduces number of routes

Staff Reporter 20-05-2009

In a move that is likely to affect the cross border traders, the railway operator said it was also plying the Bulawayo – Francistown route 4 days a week to and from.

This is one of the busiest and popular routes as it gives the convenience to residents of either country to go for quick shopping.

Domestic routes have also been affected as travel times have been rastically reduced.

NRZ locomotives will now ply the Harare – Bulawayo route three times a week which is a significant reduction from the traditional daily service.

There will be a train going to Bulawayo from Harare on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays. A return train will be on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. This means that there will be no train scheduled n Wednesdays.

The Harare – Mutare route has also been affected as it would also follow a schedule similar to that of the Harare – Bulawayo route.

It is only the Victoria Falls – Bulawayo route which will run four times a week.

Rail services had become a reasonably priced alternative to road transport and it was mainly used by cross border traders. However, a reduction in the number of routes would translate into congestion on the days that the route would be serviced.

This may cause serious problems for the traders who use the railway.