By: Creamer Media

This so-called B-Network involves some 9 098 km of lines that connect to the core rail network, but which are characterised by low freight volumes and/or small-scale passenger or tourism services.

Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM), which is responsible for the management, maintenance and development of the country’s rail infrastructure, has published a request for information (RFI) to assess interest in the refurbishment, financing, operation, maintenance and potential concessioning of these low-density lines.

The deadline for responses to the RFI has been set for 10:00 on September 30.

Previous attempts by Transnet to concession the lines have proved largely unsuccessful, owing mainly to the poor condition of many of the lines and the investment required to restore operations.

TRIM CEO Moshe Motlohi said in a statement that the information gathered would be used to design one or more procurement programmes that were responsive to industry demand.

“The introduction of private sector participation opportunities on the B-Network is a critical step in reforming South Africa’s freight logistics system,” he added, arguing that the RFI sought to build on recent progress in opening the mainline network to third-party operators. 

In May, TRIM signed rail access agreements with 11 new private train operating companies and has published Version 4 of its Network Statement in an effort to attract more investors as part of efforts to ramp-up yearly rail volumes to 250-million tons from about 180-million tons currently.

“The latest RFI builds on this momentum by extending opportunities to the B-Network, ensuring that feeder and branch lines also benefit from innovation and investment opportunities.”