By: OrePulse

South Africa's Railway Safety Regulator has granted Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager a three-year safety permit after assessing the manager's safety management systems, governance arrangements, risk management processes, and regulatory controls.

The regulator's evaluation covered how Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager, known as TRIM, oversees the national rail network. The entity had previously operated under a temporary safety permit issued when it was established, pending development of its safety frameworks and institutional structures.

TRIM said in a statement that "railway safety requires continuous improvement" and that it would continue strengthening its systems while working with the regulator and train operators. The organization described the three-year permit as reflecting its progression and maturity as South Africa's independent rail infrastructure manager.

The permit comes as South Africa's freight rail sector moves toward a multi-operator model, with new train operating companies gaining access to the network. Managing safety interactions between TRIM, as the infrastructure manager, and the operators using its tracks is becoming an increasingly important part of that transition.

TRIM's general manager for safety, Andiswa Dlanga, said a rail network "that is managed safely and responsibly" is essential to allow more operators onto the system while preserving the integrity and safety of the infrastructure.