NRZ Clarifies Misconception in Trending Video

The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has addressed a trending video that sparked confusion among the public. The video showed a train pulling a single loaded wagon, leading many to believe it was a mainline train operating inefficiently.

However, NRZ clarified that the train in the video is a shunt train, designed for short-distance movements within railway yards or depots. These trains utilize lighter locomotives with lower hauling capacities compared to mainline trains, which are equipped to transport much heavier loads over longer distances.

The specific train in the video was transporting 40 net tonnes of cargo for a client, a typical operation for a shunt train.

Currently, NRZ operates two types of trains within its system, the mainline trains and shunt trains. Mainline trains utilize heavier locomotives capable of hauling up to 1700 gross tonnes, while shunt trains employ lighter locomotives with a maximum hauling capacity of 700 gross tonnes.