A significant milestone has been reached in the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s (PRASA’s) ongoing modernisation of KwaZulu‑Natal’s rail network, with the installation of a new diamond crossing at Crossmoor Station.
The crossing was delivered by Maziya Group subsidiary, Maziya General Services, in partnership with voestalpine South Africa (VAE SA).
“The upgrade forms part of PRASA’s multi‑year Passenger Rail Recovery Programme and will dramatically improve reliability, safety and travel times for thousands of daily passengers,” says Athanacious Makgamatha, PRASA Executive: Group Capital Delivery and Execution at PRASA.
A Flawless Design
Designed and manufactured by VAE SA at its Isando, Johannesburg facility, the crossing is built on durable concrete sleepers, offering improved longevity, reduced maintenance and enhanced ride quality for passengers.
“This diamond crossing is a highly specialised piece of rail infrastructure that enables trains to switch between lines in areas with limited space, replacing a worn‑out installation that previously sat on wooden sleepers,” explains Sizwe Mkhize, Business Development Officer at VAE SA.
The installation of the diamond crossing and associated turnouts in Crossmoor was performed by PEM-LEM turnout replacement machines, together with a specialised, dedicated track installation team.
Rails, turnouts and diamond crossings ensure safe train movements. Their installation requires a high level of precision, coordination, and specialised railway engineering skills to complete. The PEM-LEM team managed and executed the placement, gauging, levelling, and securing of these elements to ensure the track geometry meets strict operational and safety standards.
Impact Felt in More Ways Than One
According to Heinrich Mostert, Signalling Director at Maziya General Services, the upgrade is about far more than technical renewal. “This work restores mobility, restores dignity and restores opportunity,” he says. “For years, large sections of the line have been operating on a single track due to vandalism. Once all upgrades are complete, trains will be able to run in both directions on both lines again—10 minutes apart—instead of one hour apart.”
For the communities served by Crossmoor Station and neighbouring areas, the benefits are already being felt. The previous speed restriction of 15 km/h over the old crossing has been lifted to 60 km/h now that installation, testing and commissioning are complete. The improved track geometry also reduces vibration and noise, resulting in a smoother, more comfortable passenger experience.
A South African Solution, Built for Local Needs
Kedibone Madiba, Head of the Perway Department at Maziya General Services, explains that the design and installation process is uniquely tailored to the constraints of the Crossmoor site
“This is a brownfield environment with limited space, curves and a platform very close to the installation. A diamond crossing is the only viable solution,” he explains. “We designed everything locally, conducted the surveys, modelled the geometry and worked closely with VAE SA to ensure every component meets the required standards. The result is a system that fits perfectly and performs reliably, even under challenging operating conditions.”
“VAE SA’s local presence is critical. When you run a railway, you need immediate support during derailments or faults, and VAE SA has always responded quickly. Their quality and reliability give us unshakeable confidence,” states Madiba.
Partnership Delivers Real Community Impact
Ultimately, the crossover project forms part of PRASA’s long‑term commitment to rebuilding a safe, modern, dependable public transport system.
“The Crossmoor upgrade is one step among many, but its impact on the surrounding communities will be profound. Reliable rail transport transforms lives. It connects people to jobs, education and economic opportunities. We’re proud to revitalise a network that many people rely on,” concludes Makgamatha.
