NRZ Warns Against Illegal Level Crossings On Rail Tracks

The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has warned the public against creating makeshift level crossings on railway tracks, saying such actions can damage critical rail infrastructure.

The warning comes after workers from the Plumtree Town Council reportedly constructed an unapproved crossing on the Plumtree–Francistown railway line.

In a statement issued on Saturday, 15 November, the NRZ said the section of the line where the illegal crossing was built is now vulnerable to waterlogging, posing a risk to train operations and threatening the movement of goods along this key export route linking Zimbabwe and Botswana. The statement reads:

“The NRZ advises the public against erecting level crossings on tracks on their own. People who want level crossings at places convenient to them should contact our Infrastructure Branch for assistance.

“It is illegal for individuals or companies to put up level crossings on their own, as this can damage rail infrastructure.

“The NRZ is issuing this advice following the establishment of a makeshift level crossing on the Plumtree- Francistown line by workers from the Plumtree Town Council

‘The section of the line where the unregulated level crossing was put is now susceptible to waterlogging, threatening the movement of goods on this vital export corridor, which connects Zimbabwe to Botswana.

“The NRZ is always ready to assist communities in setting up proper and legal level crossings if approached.”

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