This includes the acquisition of 46 diesel-electric locomotives, which have been sourced from New Zealand company KiwiRail.

“The programme, comprising R1.8 billion in locomotives and R1.6 billion in wagons, is the largest private freight rail investment in South Africa’s history in terms of fleet size and value, with a minimum 60% local content target and 662 direct jobs projected during build and deployment,” read a statement issued by Traxton, the private rail company injecting funds into this initiative. “This will be a high-capacity and high-reliability locomotive we can deliver to industry quickly and cost-effectively.”

Within 12 months, the first set of units are expected to be operational. The full fleet is expected to fully operate by 2028.

Darul Ihsan Media Desk