The Maqere–Malele cane rail line in Tavua is on track to reopen before the current crushing season ends, with major works due to be completed this week and a safety-focused trial run of an empty locomotive planned for the end of next week.
A Ministry statement released yesterday, after briefings with the Fiji Sugar Corporation chief executive and the Sugar Industry Permanent Secretary, confirmed the timeline. The line’s reopening is seen as a critical step in restoring efficient cane transport to the mills and easing costs for Tavua’s growers.
The Ministry said major works are nearing completion later this week, with safety checks to follow. A formal trial run of an empty locomotive is scheduled for the end of next week to ensure safety standards are met before full operations resume. The Maqere–Malele link was closed by the Fiji Sugar Corporation and ordered to be repaired and reactivated, as it provides a vital transport route for Tavua cane farmers.
Farmers and industry observers have welcomed the news, noting that the reactivation should improve transport efficiency, cut per-tonne costs, and help ensure timely cane deliveries to the mills. During the rehabilitation period, authorities have encouraged farmers to use trucks where feasible to keep harvest operations moving and to minimize disruption while the rail line is brought back into service.
The reopening aligns with a broader government push to strengthen cane transport infrastructure across Fiji, reducing reliance on road transport during peak harvest times and bolstering the sugar sector’s resilience and productivity as the season progresses.
In context, similar moves to restore tramlines and rail connections in Tavua and surrounding areas have been touted as essential for lowering transport costs for farmers and improving overall supply-chain efficiency. With the Tavua rail line set to come back online, farmers can look forward to steadier transport, fewer delays, and a more sustainable path for the region’s sugar industry.
Summary: The Maqere–Malele rail line’s return to service is approaching, supported by safety-first testing and a closing window before the season ends. The upgrade is expected to reduce transport costs, boost efficiency for Tavua cane growers, and contribute to a steadier, more sustainable sugar industry in Fiji. A positive outlook remains as the sector moves toward a smoother harvest season.
Leave a comment