Railways Africa NewsXpress: Week 24:2024
Railways Africa Magazine
Railways Africa™ is the Authoritative Magazine for the rail industry in Africa
Siemens Mobility's Swift Delivery and Robust Solutions for the Saulsville-Pretoria West Corridor
As South Africa continues its journey towards a modernised and efficient passenger rail network, Siemens Mobility South Africa (SMO ZA) has once again proven to be a pivotal partner in this transformative endeavour. The latest achievement in rehabilitating the signalling system for the Saulsville-Pretoria West Corridor stands as a testament to SMO ZA’s extensive expertise, commitment, and innovative solutions.
Commissioned by the PRASA Group, the project aimed to restore the vandalised Trackguard SICAS S7 electronic interlocking system. Delivered on schedule, it highlights the benefits of advanced anti-vandalism measures and underscores the strategic importance of the SMO ZA - PRASA partnership for the future of rail infrastructure in Gauteng and beyond.
Mirai Rail Delivers First Tranche of Rolling Stock to PRASA Under General Overhaul Contract
Mirai Rail delivers the first batch of overhauled rolling stock to PRASA Group under a R7 billion General Overhaul Contract. This milestone marks a significant achievement in South Africa’s railway infrastructure development.
African Continental Free Trade Area and the African Railway Renaissance
Soter Gatera of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) articulated a compelling vision for Africa’s railway development at the African Union Commission (AUC), Department of Infrastructure and Energy (IED) Continental Workshop, held from 7th to 10th May 2024 in Dar es Salaam. Gatera emphasised the transformative potential of what he calls an “African Railway Renaissance,” rather than just railway development.
Siemens Mobility: A Long-Standing Partner Dedicated to Advancing South Africa’s Passenger Rail Services
The success of the Saulsville-Pretoria West Corridor rehabilitation project was built on Siemens Mobility’s (SMO ZA) previous investment in local talent and competencies during the original re-signalling project. By employing South Africans and providing extensive training and development opportunities, SMO ZA ensured a skilled workforce was ready to tackle the challenges of the rehabilitation project. This strategic investment not only facilitated the rapid recovery of services but also maintained cost efficiency, demonstrating SMO ZA’s commitment to the local economy and workforce.
Angola's Minister of Transport Addresses 15th Advisory Council in Benguela
On the 6th and 7th of June 2024, the Angolan Ministry of Transport hosted its 15th Consultative Council in the municipality of Lobito, Benguela Province. The event, themed “Consolidate Sector Reforms and Enhance Angola, Towards a Regional Transport and Logistics Hub,” brought together key stakeholders to discuss the ongoing transformation of Angola’s transport sector.
South Africa: Economic Regulation of Transport with New Legislation
The President of South Africa has assented to the Economic Regulation of Transport Act, 2024, now officially enacted as Act No. 06 of 2024. This landmark legislation aims to consolidate and streamline the economic regulation of the transport sector within a single, cohesive framework and policy.
The Economic Regulation of Transport Act, 2024, is designed to foster the development of a competitive, efficient, and viable transport sector, that contributes to economic growth and development. The Act promotes the establishment of an integrated system for the economic regulation of transport services and facilities, encompassing passenger and goods transport across air, sea, rail, and road.
CFM and MPDC Sign Agreement for Efficient Logistics Service
The Mozambique Ports and Railways Company (CFM) and the MPDC - Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) have signed a service level agreement with the aim of increasing rail freight and improving the current ratio between road and rail. The SLA will standardise the loading and unloading services of trains/wagons and transport services, including transit times, dwell times at stations and at the port, among other services that will provide effective and efficient logistics for the customer.
Proposed Rehabilitation of Line to Connect NRZ to Manhize Steel Plant
Discussions are underway to rehabilitate the line connecting to the Chinese-owned Dinson Iron & Steel Company, also known as the Manhize Steel Plant. On the 12th of June, the company’s blast furnace officially began producing steel. With estimated production volumes expected to reach around 2 million tonnes per annum for export, it is essential that NRZ upgrades the existing 78 km line to accommodate heavier loads and increase the availability of reliable rolling stock. As previously reported, NRZ is currently in negotiations with several funding institutions to raise the capital required not only for the refurbishment of this line but also for the overall recapitalisation of NRZ, including rolling stock.
Kenya Railways: Unlocking Land Potential to Enhance Urban Mobility
The Kenya Railways (KRC) boasts an extensive railway network, comprising 2,778 km of narrow-gauge lines and 605 km of standard-gauge lines across the country. Additionally, KRC is the second largest landowner in Kenya, with significant land holdings along the railways and around station areas. Despite this, much of this land remains underutilised, presenting a valuable opportunity to bolster urban development and generate additional revenue to support commuter rail operations.
Alstom Has Completed Beni Suef Assuyt Signalling Mainline Project In Egypt
Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has successfully put into commercial service the signalling upgrade of the Beni Suef Assuyt (BSA) railway line covering 15 stations between Beni Suef and Assyut officially opened to the public.
Tanzania/Burundi/DR Congo Standard Gauge Railway Project Phase II Gains Momentum as Recruitment Drive Takes Centre Stage
The ambitious Tanzania/Burundi/DR Congo Standard Gauge Railway Project Phase II is gaining momentum with the recent launch of a comprehensive recruitment drive. This multinational initiative, aimed at bolstering regional connectivity and economic integration, is now focusing on filling key positions to ensure the project’s successful implementation.
Climate Finance Approach for Railway Projects in Africa
Frédéric Mao, Senior Policy Advisor supporting the African Union Program for the Development of Infrastructure in Africa (PIDA), provided an insightful overview of climate finance options for railway projects at the African Union Commission (AUC)’s Department of Infrastructure and Energy (IED) Continental Workshop. The workshop, focused on the implementation of the Africa Integrated Railways Network (AIRN), took place from 7th to 10th May 2024 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Fiber Optics To Keep Elephants And Trains Safe Across Indian Railways East Coast
Sensonic has announced a multi-million contract award to implement a groundbreaking elephant detection system for Indian Railways’ East Coast network. This critical project will utilise fiber optic sensing technology to help protect both endangered elephants and train operations across more than 30 elephant corridors spanning over 400km of railway.