A QUALITATIVE STUDY INTO THE CHALLENGES IN ADAPTINGRAILWAY INFRASTRUCTURE TO CLIMATE CHANGE: A SOUTH AFRICAN CONTEXT

This study examines challenges faced by operators of a South African railway in adapting their infrastructure to climate change impacts. The research aims to investigate climate impacts on railway infrastructure, existing adaptation measures, challenges in adaptation, and their influence on railway infrastructure resilience to climate impacts. One-on-one interviews were conducted with seven key participants out of fifteen invited within a single department with a population of fifty engineers and engineering managers. The study used qualitative research strategies to examine data and four qualitative research strategies to ensure reliability and validity: Prolonged Engagement, Triangulation, Member Checking, and Audit Trail. The study finds that extreme weather events such as excessive rainfall, extreme winds, and extreme temperatures significantly impact railway infrastructure. The study recommends proactive measures, adequate funding, leadership commitment, awareness and training programs, and real-time data monitoring to enhance resilience.