Transnet seeks private partners for neglected branch rail lines

Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) says the revival of its B-network will help unlock economic potential in rural and remote areas as it seeks to operate the system with private players.

Through TRIM, Transnet published a request for information (RFI) inviting private companies to enter into partnerships to increase productivity on the B-network, which is in poor condition after years of neglect.

Due to the lack of activity on the system, sections have become overgrown with vegetation and are difficult to access because of damaged service roads that are in need of restoration.

The RFI is set to probe possible partnerships in freight and beyond, including agriculture, mining, manufacturing, passenger services and tourism-related rail services.

TRIM said the RFI was issued to better understand market interest and potential solutions and should not be interpreted as confirmation that particular sectors or operators have already been selected.

TRIM said the revitalisation of these lines could help bolster local and regional economic development, particularly in rural and remote areas.

“It could also support job creation, improve connectivity to economic opportunities and enable the movement of appropriate freight from road to rail, thereby contributing to reduced pressure on South African roads,“ TRIM said.

According to the document, the majority of industries depend on the movement of cargo from farms, mines, and manufacturing plants to destinations in and outside South Africa.

“Revitalising branch lines generally located in remote, rural areas could unlock local economic development, thereby uplifting the communities that reside there,” it said.

Branch lines, which make up the B-network and were historically built to link agricultural areas, mines and industrial sites to the main railway, have been underutilised due to the decline in manufacturing activity.

Revitalising branch lines generally located in remote, rural areas could unlock local economic development, thereby uplifting the communities that reside there.

Dwindling industrial activity in some areas and the deregulation of road transport in the early 1990s also contributed to the challenges.

It meant that Transnet could not recover the cost of maintenance of these lines over the years and focused its efforts on lines that could self-fund.

“The maintenance budgets therefore declined in line with the levels of activity and carrying capacity was reduced. The revitalisation of these lines therefore requires not only infrastructure intervention but also consideration of alternative funding, operating and partnership models,” said TRIM.