Maqere to Malele Rail Line Set to Reopen After Safety Tests in Fiji

Head: Maqere to Malele rail line set to reopen as safety testing planned ahead of crushing season

Progress on the Maqere to Malele cane rail line in Tavua is moving swiftly toward reopening, with major construction expected to be finished later this week and safety testing of an empty locomotive planned for next week before operations resume. Government officials say the project is on track and part of a broader push to improve cane transport for farmers.

During a recent briefing with the Fiji Sugar Corporation chief executive and the Sugar Industry Permanent Secretary, it was confirmed that the line’s reopening is imminent and that safety checks will precede any return to service. The move underscores the government’s commitment to easing transport costs and boosting efficiency for Tavua’s cane farmers.

Speaking on concerns raised by a Tavua farmer about delays, Charan Jeath Singh noted that the slower pace is the result of complex engineering work at Maqere Hill and the Tavualevu Bridge. He stressed that safety considerations must come first and reassured farmers that the rail line will be ready before the current crushing season ends.

The Maqere to Malele line is viewed as a vital link for Tavua cane farmers, with the potential to significantly cut transport costs and improve delivery efficiency to the mills. The planned safety testing of an empty locomotive next week will pave the way for a safe reopening and ongoing operations as harvest activities intensify.

This development fits within a broader government initiative to strengthen cane transport infrastructure across Fiji. By restoring rail services and reducing reliance on road transport during peak harvest times, the sector aims to support farmers and bolster the sugar industry’s resilience and productivity as the season progresses.

Context and value adds:
– Economic impact: Restoring rail transport is expected to lower per-tonne transport costs for farmers and improve turnaround times, contributing to more stable harvest operations.
– Roadmap for safety and reliability: A formal safety test of an empty locomotive is scheduled before reopening, signaling a cautious and standards-driven approach to infrastructure restoration.
– Industry outlook: The move reinforces ongoing efforts to modernize Fiji’s sugar transport network, with benefits anticipated for Tavua farmers and the broader sugar sector as the crush season approaches.

Positive note: This renewed rail link offers farmers renewed confidence that reliable, affordable transport will support timely cane delivery and a smoother harvest, contributing to a more sustainable sugar industry in the region.