Steenkoolvervoer langs die Natalse hoofspoorlyn, 1910-1927

Abstract

By 1910 the Natal coal mines were almost entirely dependent on the shipment coal market at Durban. This market gradually expanded, reaching its climax by 1926-1927. To satisfy the demands of the market the collieries depended on reliable railway transport. Therefore efforts were initially made to improve the main line by means of deviations. Eventually it was decided to electrify the line. The significance of this was that it acted as a catalyst for the establishment of ESCOM (now ESKOM).