Steenkoolvervoer langs die Natalse hoofspoorlyn, 1910 - 1927.

Abstract

• Opsomming: Teen 1910 was die Natalse steenkoolmyne al byna heeltemal op die skeepsteenkoolmark by Durban vir die bemarking van hul produkte aangewys. Hierdie mark het geleidelik uitgebrei en teen 1926-1927 'n hoogtepunt bereik. Om in die aanvraag te voorsien, het die myne op betroubare spoorvervoer staatgemaak. Daarom is aanvanklik gepoog om deur verleggings van die hoofspoorlyn 'n verbeterde vervoerstelsel te skep. Uiteindelik is egter op elektrifisering besluit. Die betekenis daarvan is dat dit met die stigting van EVKOM (tans ESKOM) vervleg geraak her.

• Summary: 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).