Passenger rail services on the Mitchells Plain corridor are set to return on Monday after a six-year disruption linked to vandalism and infrastructure damage.

PRASA Western Cape said the Kapteinsklip line will officially reopen, reconnecting thousands of daily commuters to what it calls an affordable and reliable rail option.

Here’s how the Limited Service will Work

PRASA says the reinstated service will initially stop at four stations only: Philippi, Lentegeur, Mitchells Plain and Kapteinsklip.

A shuttle service will run between Kapteinsklip and Philippi. Commuters travelling to or from Mitchells Plain will transfer at Philippi in both directions.

PRASA described the reopening as the final phase in restoring the Central Line, which it called a critical public transport route for communities across the Western Cape. The agency said it expects the return of trains to ease congestion across the wider public transport network.

Why it Took Six Years

PRASA said the project faced multiple setbacks, including supply chain challenges, the relocation of settlements, vandalism and material delivery impacts.

The Philippi to Kapteinsklip section has been out of service since 2020, according to PRASA.

What has Been Fixed and What to Check Before you Travel

PRASA said its Central Line Recovery Team carried out a rehabilitation programme that included track work, signalling repairs and testing, telecommunications restoration, overhead traction equipment reinstatement, station upgrades and safety validations.

It added that successful test runs took place between 15 and 19 December 2025.

PRASA said updated timetables will be shared on its Western Cape social media platforms.