09 Jul 2025

The Assistant Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Mr Keoagile Atamelang has said the suspension of the passenger train in March 2020 negatively affected the Blue Mark Service efficiency, resulting in the review of the schedule, which now operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 

Answering a question in Parliament on July 8, Mr Atamelang noted that the Blue Mark Service, which is operational in Botswana Railways (BR) stations in Lobatse, Gaborone, Mahalapye, Palapye, Selebi Phikwe and Francistown, was originally supported by the passenger train and offered a daily overnight door-to-door service until the latter was suspended.

He noted BR continued to provide the service internally and currently controlled the service charges as the sole operator. The assistant minister however noted that the fees would be determined by two entities once a partnership was secured.

He was responding to Selebi Phikwe West MP, Mr Reuben Kaizer, who had asked on the status of the Blue Mark Service offered by BR and if the service was still offered in-house by BR or outsourced. Mr Reuben had also asked if BR controlled the courier service charges for the service. ENDS