HUMEHOOD – A comprehensive revival plan has been developed for the Apple Express, the historic narrow-gauge steam railway that once connected Gqeberha to Avontuur.
While the plan has been outlined, according to Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya, it is yet to be approved by council following a presentation on the matter during the Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture standing committee recently.
He said that the Apple Express operates on what is described as the longest narrow-gauge rail line in the world, spanning 285 kilometers with a 2-foot (610mm) gauge track.
Soyaya said that the railway line crosses over the highest narrow-gauge railway bridge globally, which measures 156 meters in length and stands 77 meters high, containing 1,112 cubic meters of concrete and 574 tons of steel.
Originally known as the PEAR train (PE-AVONTUUR ROUTE), the railway began operations in sections from 1903, with the complete line opening for traffic in 1907.
“Throughout its operational history, the line primarily served freight transport, particularly carrying apples from the Langkloof region to Port Elizabeth Harbour (now Gqeberha Harbour) for export, which led to its eventual renaming as the Apple Express,” said Soyaya.
He said that passenger services on the line were terminated in 1948, with limited freight services continuing until 1970.
Soyaya further said that the railway was revived as a tourist attraction in 1965, operating under the PE Apple Express Company until its closure in 2011 due to financial constraints.
Historical data shows the Apple Express carried between 7,000 and 10,000 passengers annually during its tourist operation period.
The revival plan notes that some British privatised railways achieve passenger loads of 150,000 to 250,000 annually, with some carrying 7,000 to 10,000 passengers per day.
The proposed revival, which Soyaya said is a public-private partnership, includes developing the railway as a premium rail tourism experience, with plans for phased implementation extending service through the Gamtoos Valley and Langkloof regions.
He said that the initiative aims to create economic opportunities and employment in rural areas while promoting heritage tourism.
“The Nelson Mandela Bay area currently receives significant cruise ship traffic, with 28 cruise liners visiting in the 2023/24 season and 40 expected in 2024/25,” said Soyaya.
“Each cruise ship visit generates approximately R3 million in economic impact, with passengers typically numbering around 2,000 per vessel.”
Soyaya said that the plans include developing new station facilities at Humewood near King’s Beach, with provisions for both narrow-gauge and standard-gauge rail connections.
The proposed development would feature tourism terminals, workshops, and heritage preservation facilities.
“The railway line passes through various towns including Kariega, Loerie, Thornhill, Humansdorp, Patensie, and Joubertina before reaching its terminus at Avontuur,” said Soyaya.
