Railways Africa NewsXpress: Week 19:2024
Railways Africa Magazine
Railways Africa? is the Authoritative Magazine for the rail industry in Africa
Everybody Wants Rail To Succeed?- Transnet Freight Rail CEO
In a recent interview, Phillippa Dean , Railways Africa Magazine editor talks to Russell Baatjies , CEO of Transnet Freight Rail (TFR)?about TFR’s strategic direction, ongoing collaborations and formidable challenges.
Baatjies talks about significant industry support received, particularly along the North Corridor, and the potential extension of similar agreements for the North East corridor, servicing chrome magnetite and rock phosphate industries.
He further comments on enhancing seamless cross-border rail services, including upcoming engagements with Botswana Railways and TRANSNAMIB LIMITED , alongside the involvement of the Railway Safety Regulator and the Southern African Railways Association ( SARA Rail ).
He also talks about TFR’s support of PRASA’s corridor recovery plan, shedding light on ongoing discussions regarding potential line transfers to PRASA.
Baatjies explains the “new” business structure between Transnet Freight Rail Operating Company (TFROC) and Transnet Rail Infrastructure Management (TRIM), and TFROC’s strategies for competitive positioning in an open market.
Transnet's Progress And Challenges: An Update From CEO Michelle Phillips
On 26 April 2024, during a media briefing, Michelle Phillips , the Group Chief Executive Officer of Transnet SOC Ltd , provided an update on the company’s recovery plan and the progress made in stabilising and advancing its operations. Launched in the previous year, the recovery plan was a commitment by Transnet to enhance transparency and keep stakeholders informed about its strategic efforts and operational progress.
Transnet Engineering? Change Of Leadership
Transnet SOC Ltd has announced the retirement of Transnet Engineering (TE) Chief Executive, Mr. Ralph Mills, effective 1 May 2024. Ms. Bessie Mabunda has been appointed as the Acting Chief Executive of Transnet Engineering, with immediate effect. Prior to this appointment, Bessie was the Transnet Interim Infrastructure Manager (IM) and Acting General Manager for Rail Network and Capital Projects. In her role as the Interim IM, she has been instrumental in the establishment of the Interim Infrastructure Manager, and publishing of the draft Network Statement, as Transnet prepares for third-party operators on the rail network. Ms. Mabunda has worked in Transnet for over 10 years, holding various roles in Capital Projects, Engineering Design and Train Operations Planning and Execution.
Mr. Sandile Magenuka will act as the General Manager: Rail Network and Capital Projects and Thembi Lekganyane will act as the Interim Infrastructure Manager.
Transnet Rail Infrastructure Management (TRIM) Delivers Update During Media Briefing
Thembi Lekanyane, the Rail Reform and Program Manager at Transnet Rail Infrastructure Management (TRIM), recently outlined the significant strides Transnet is making towards rail reform in South Africa during the 26 April 2024, media briefing. These reforms are part of a broader initiative under the National Rail Policy and the Freight Logistics Roadmap, aimed at Transforming rail transport by introducing third-party access and enhancing operational independence.
Sierra Leone's Leone Rock Metal Group Receives Advanced New Locomotives from China
Leone Rock Metal Group has celebrated the completion of its? 12-million-ton mineral processing plant, the acquisition of ten new locomotives, and the disbursement of its largest Community Development Agreement (CDA) Fund payment.
On 10 May, CRRC Ziyang Co., Ltd. noted the handover of “the world’s most powerful narrow-gauge AC drive diesel locomotives exported by China to Sierra Leone, which are set to operate in Tonkolili, Sierra Leone for the first time.” This batch of locomotives, manufactured by CRRC Ziyang under CRRC Corporation Limited, is designed for African narrow-gauge railways. The locomotives adopt advanced AC transmission technology and are equipped with a 3680 kW medium-speed diesel engine, capable of completing 10,000 tons of heavy-duty traction in double-locomotive configurations. Multi-system integration technology is an innovative approach to enhancing the safety and reliability of the locomotive.
From contract signing to locomotive development and final delivery, CRRC Ziyang managed to complete this project in less than three months, setting a new record for the shortest development time of diesel locomotives.
Nigeria: Lagos-Kano Rail Line to Commence Freight Services Soon, Says Federal Government
The Federal Government has announced that freight services on the Lagos-Kano narrow gauge rail line will begin shortly. During an inspection tour in Kano, the Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Alkali, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the work and anticipated that the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), will complete the project according to schedule. The minister highlighted that operations are expected to start by May or June, focusing initially on container transport to the Dala Inland Dry Port.
Sen. Alkali emphasised the numerous benefits expected from this development, including reduced business costs, fewer road traffic accidents, preservation of highways, and significant contributions to the country’s GDP growth. He detailed the ongoing works, including earthwork and the preparation of rail lines and sleepers, essential for using locomotives to transport materials along the rail line.
Progress on? Mutare-Machipanda Line
The National Railways of Zimbabwe announces that work has commenced on the rehabilitation of the 10km Mutare-Machipanda line. The project involves the installation of new sleepers along the stretch, the replacement of worn-out rails, and the addition of new ballast.
Kenya Hosts Regional Standard Gauge Railways Cluster Meeting
29th April to 3rd May, the Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Roads and Transport, hosting the Regional Standard Gauge Railways (SGR) Cluster Meetings for the Northern Corridor Integration Projects (NCIP) in Mombasa. The SGR Cluster is one of 14 Clusters under the NCI Programme and is chaired by Uganda. The primary objective of the meeting is to accelerate the implementation of the SGR by Partner States: Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to enhance connectivity with the Port of Mombasa.
领英推荐
South Africa’s Department Of Transport Seeks Service Provider For The Development Of A Maputo Corridor Business Case
The Terms of Reference outline the appointment of a service provider tasked with developing a business case for the Maputo Corridor for the Department of Transport over 12 months. Following the 2005 Cabinet approval of the National Freight Logistics Strategy (NFLS), the Department of Transport was mandated to map and institutionalise various freight corridors through public-private partnerships and enhance integrated planning. The NFLS identified the Maputo Development Corridor (MDC) as crucial, featuring a transportation corridor from the east-coast Port of Maputo to Gauteng and surrounding areas, supported by rail, road, and port facilities.
The need for this project stems from issues such as inadequate road infrastructure, inefficient border management, outdated customs procedures, and a lack of performance monitoring systems that create bottlenecks in freight transport along the Maputo corridor.
The scope of work for the service provider includes developing an integrated business case for the Maputo Corridor to streamline freight logistics, investigate logistics costs, and identify infrastructure and technology improvements. The goal is to enhance efficiency and economic development along the corridor with relevant stakeholders. The objectives are to deliver on the NFLS mandate for institutionalising the corridor and developing strategic investment requirements. Expected deliverables from the service provider include a project plan, inception report, stakeholder consultation programme, status quo analysis, and a financial model for the corridor.
Cairo's Metro Line 3 Set to Begin Passenger Trials for Final Segment on May 15, 2024
Starting on Wednesday, 15 May 2024, the third segment of the third phase of Cairo’s Metro Line 3, known as ‘3C’, will commence a passenger trial. Spanning 7.1 km, this segment includes five stations. This phase follows a successful non-passenger trial that tested lighting, air conditioning, ventilation, and firefighting systems to ensure their functionality and integration. With the initiation of passenger trials in this final section of the third line, Metro Line 3 will become fully operational for public use, covering 41.2 km with 34 stations. It serves as a crucial artery connecting the east and west of Greater Cairo and integrates various components of the railway transport network. Additionally, this line interacts with multiple other transit services and features extensive maintenance facilities.
Subsahara Gemstone Exchange Develops Multi-Facility Economic Zone In Ndola, Featuring A New Railway Terminal
In this episode of 'Coffee with the Editor', filmed during the Land Linked Zambia 2024 event in April, we are joined by Phesto Musonda , President and Chairman of Subsahara Gemstone Exchange. Phesto discusses his plans to develop one of Zambia’s biggest inland ports to facilitate trade and the movement of goods. This includes establishing a regional railway terminal within their multi-facility economic zone situated in Ndola, on the Zambian Copperbelt. Strategically located near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), this zone is poised to become a cornerstone “hub” for regional trade.
Musonda elaborates on the economic zone’s design to support trade and logistics, including the expected addition of an electric battery plant. The strategic placement of the railway line operated by Zambia Railways will enhance the accessibility and connectivity, pivotal for the zone’s success in facilitating trade.
Stay tuned as we look into the future of transportation in Southern Africa and the pivotal role this new terminal could play in enhancing regional trade and logistics.
Africa Finance Corporation Continues Investment In Angola’s Transport Infrastructure
Angola’s Road Network Set for Transformation as Africa Finance Corporation leads commercial funding for €381 million project. The project specifically targets improved accessibility in remote areas and supports industrial and commercial activity, advancing prosperity by reducing transport costs and travel times, and easing poverty through job creation.
Transnet’s Freight Rail (TFR) has ramped GF coal trains from 21 trains a week to 28, supported by an injection of locomotives. This is part of Transnet’s Recovery Plan initiatives and a commitment made to the City of uMhlathuze leadership and other stakeholders during the Stakeholder Collaboration on Truck Congestion Solutions meeting held in the Port of Richards Bay, in KwaZulu-Natal, on 21 November 2023.
Northern Corridor Green Freight Strategy 2030
The Northern Corridor Secretariat in collaboration with UNEP and the Ministry of Works and Transport of Uganda organised a two-day sub-regional workshop on 25-26 March 2024 to disseminate the Northern Corridor Green Freight Strategy 2030. Under the theme “Harmonizing the Implementation Plan of Regional Green Freight Targets and Commitments”, more than 60 participants met in Kampala, Uganda to discuss the proposed 2030 strategy, and opportunities for greener freight in the sub-region.
Nigeria: Operations Commence On Completed Section Of The Port-Harcourt- Maiduguri Narrow Gauge Line
As part of the intensified drive by the Federal Government (FG) to facilitate trade, enhance mobility, accessibility and ensure connectivity between the Southern parts of the country to the North-Eastern part of the Country, the rehabilitation of the 1443 km Port-Harcourt to Maiduguri narrow gauge rail project has received priority attention. The Federal Government is therefore set to commence operations on the Port-Harcourt to Aba stretch of the rail project.
Advancing Regional Transport in Zambia: A Glimpse into Land-Linked Zambia 2025
During the Land-Linked Zambia 2024 conference held in early April, we had a brief ‘Coffee with the Editor’ session with Chimwemwe Nyirenda , Founder & MD of Africast Conferences & Exhibitions , the organisers of the event. Chimwemwe shared insights into the third annual conference, highlighting Zambia’s crucial role in regional transport and logistics despite its landlocked status. The discussion also explored the assembly of stakeholders from across Southern Africa, who gathered to explore investment and business opportunities along Zambia’s key transport corridors. Furthermore, Chimwemwe outlined the vision for the fourth Land-Linked Zambia conference, scheduled for 10th to 11th April 2025.
Unpacking Transport and Logistics Investments with Stanbic Bank
Join us in this 'Coffee with the Editor' as Phillippa Dean speaks with Lester Anderson of Stanbic Bank, a key sponsor at this year’s Land-Linked Zambia 2024 event, held in early April 2024. Dive into a comprehensive discussion about the pivotal role of Stanbic Bank in financing transport and logistics across Zambia and the broader region.
Lester shares insights on the bank’s strategic approaches to asset financing, bespoke solutions for logistics challenges, and exciting opportunities in rail and green financing. Discover how Stanbic Bank leverages its vast network and partnerships, including those with Chinese manufacturers, to provide cost-effective and efficient solutions in the transport sector.
The interview also touches on the potential for private sector involvement and the bank’s flexible approach to funding infrastructure projects, emphasising sustainable and renewable solutions.
--
10 个月Great news