Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) has announced a 400-metre railway deviation project within the reserve strip on the Ndola-Sakania railway line. This deviation is necessary due to sinkholes posing risks to existing railway infrastructure.
On 11 February 2025, a sinkhole measuring 20 metres in diameter and 15 metres in depth appeared six metres from the railway line, leading to its closure. Further cracks were observed, and on 19 February 2025, another sinkhole developed eight metres north of the first.
Following an engineering assessment, realigning the railway track was identified as a viable solution to bypass the affected area safely. The construction of this track deviation will:
- Enhance safety by preventing derailments and structural failures caused by ground instability.
- Ensure operational continuity by minimising train service interruptions through a stable, secure route.
- Restore railway operations urgently, with the deviation prioritised as a proactive and technically sound measure.
Additionally, ZRL is addressing unauthorised settlements and farming activities within the railway reserve area, which pose safety risks and impact railway infrastructure. The removal of illegal occupants is necessary to facilitate construction and ensure long-term railway efficiency and security.
ZRL urges public cooperation in completing the project and reminds the public to avoid encroaching on railway reserve strips, as such activities compromise safety, infrastructure, and environmental stability.
