Railways Africa NewsXpress: Week 44:2024
Railways Africa Magazine
Railways Africa? is the Authoritative Magazine for the rail industry in Africa
Algeria's 950km Railway Line Set To Bolster National Economy
With steady steps and a well-defined forward-looking vision, Algeria is currently experiencing a significant economic renaissance. The initial signs of this transformation are beginning to appear and impact public life. Recently, strategic projects have been launched by the State to bolster national economic resources and capitalise on the country's abundant natural wealth. Foremost among these initiatives is the Gara Djebilet mine development project, which the public authorities are banking on to bring about a true industrial transformation, ensuring the supply of necessary raw materials for the advancement of both heavy and light industries.
TRC Seeks Consultants to Develop Rail Access Framework for Enhanced Competition and Investment in Tanzania
The Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) is seeking consulting services to design an Infrastructure Access Regime and Network Statement, as part of the Second Tanzania Intermodal and Rail Development Project (TIRP-2). This project is funded by a $200 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA). The aim is to establish a framework that supports open access to TRC’s rail network, encouraging competition and private-sector investment.
The consultancy work includes defining access pricing and structuring policies for TRC’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and Metre Gauge Railway (MGR) networks. The project is scheduled to begin in January 2025, with a duration of eight months.
This initiative is part of Tanzania’s broader strategy to enhance cross-country rail access and attract investment in transport infrastructure.
During Alstom’s InnoTrans press tour, Phillippa Dean , Editor of Railways Africa Magazine , had the opportunity to interview Sacha Parneix , Vice President for Commercial Activities at 阿尔斯通运输 , covering Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. Sacha discussed Alstom’s extensive operations across Africa, detailing how the company is driving modernisation, localisation and sustainable rail solutions throughout the continent.
Africa’s Growing Demand for Mobility
Sacha Parneix emphasised that one of the key factors driving rail development in Africa is the continent’s increasing population, which is leading to greater demand for mobility, both for people and goods. “There is a very strong demand for modern, green technologies to move people and goods around. Indeed, by 2050, Africa’s population is expected to nearly double to 2.5 billion, with one in four people globally being African,” he said.
Djibouti Seeks Transport Cooperation with Angola
On 23 October, Djibouti’s Special Envoy, Mahmoud Ali Youssou, delivered a message from President Ismail Omar Guelleh to Angolan President Jo?o Louren?o, expressing interest in strengthening ties, particularly in freight logistics and transport corridor development. Djibouti, with established corridors to Ethiopia and South Sudan, proposes knowledge-sharing with Angola on the Lobito Corridor project to enhance infrastructure progress across Africa.
Alstom Showcases Autonomous Regional Train Evolution
On 23 September 2024, during the pre-InnoTrans 2024 press tour in Salzgitter, Germany, 阿尔斯通运输 introduced the Autonomous Regional Train Evolution (ARTE) project. An international press delegation experienced a short journey in autonomous mode, where the train operated without any driver intervention. Additionally, they observed Remote Train Operation (RTO) via a tablet, which serves as a fallback solution to regain manual control of a driverless train.
The ARTE Project is a joint research project of Alstom, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the Rail Operations and Infrastructure Department at Technische Universit?t Berlin with funding support from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and Lower Saxony’s Ministry of Economics, Transport, Building and Digitalisation.
Eswatini Rail Link (ESRL) Project Progress Update
Eswatini Railways (ESR) is advancing the Eswatini Rail Link Project, a major strategic initiative in collaboration with South Africa. Supported by government grants, the project is currently in the resettlement phase, relocating homes for Project Affected People (PAPs). Key milestones include completed feasibility studies and the relocation of graves. The resettlement programme entails constructing 264 homes across two phases. In Phase One, 113 homes are being built, with 77 completed, and 36 nearing completion. Phase Two will see the construction of 151 additional homes, for which ESR is securing funding.
AFC Hoping For Financial Close For Zambia-Lobito Rail Project Within Two Years
The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), which recently signed concession agreements with the governments of Angola and Zambia to advance the Zambia-Lobito Rail Project, has stated that the monetary terms of the agreements are yet to be finalised, as the project has not yet gone through the contractor procurement process.
Leveraging Technology to Counter Criminal Attacks on Railway Infrastructure
At the recent RAILWAY SAFETY REGULATOR ’s Annual Conference held in Cape Town, Dr. Willem Sprong , the University of Pretoria ’s Chair in Railway Safety, presented a highly innovative approach to safeguarding South Africa’s railway infrastructure. In his presentation titled “Leveraging Innovative Technology to Counter Criminal Attacks on Railway Infrastructure”, Dr Sprong highlighted the critical role of technology in bolstering security and minimising disruption caused by criminal acts. The initiative also explores how technological advancements support Transnet’s goal of enabling open access in the railway sector, providing new safety avenues for third-party operators.
Alstom's Strategic Role in Algeria’s Expanding Rail Network
Phillippa Dean , Editor of Railways Africa Magazine , had the opportunity during Alstom’s InnoTrans press tour to briefly interview CHOUAKI Amar , Director General of Alstom Algeria. The discussion highlighted Alstom’s long-standing involvement in Algeria’s transportation infrastructure, particularly in urban tramways and mainline rail systems.
Over the past 30 years, 阿尔斯通运输 has played a pivotal role in the country’s rail sector, providing rolling stock, signalling systems, infrastructure and services for various projects. Relying on the transfer of technology and local skills development, Alstom Algérie and their JV CITAL employ more than 670 people, which are 100% local employees.
37 Years In, Traxtion is on Track to Expand Its Footprint Through Significant Investment
Traxtion’s significant capital expenditure investment in its operations has allowed one of Africa’s largest private freight rail companies to continue its growth onto the continent, expand its fleet and extend its state-of-the-art Rail Services Hub in Rosslyn outside Pretoria.
领英推荐
Celebrating their 37th year of operations this month, Traxtion CEO James Holley said changes in the rail sector, including rail reform in the SADC region, have enabled the company to take up opportunities not previously available to private operators.
From Planning to Public Buy-In: Gautrain’s Strategic Approach to Determining Routes and Developing Railway Lines in Gauteng
At the recent Railway Safety Conference hosted by the RAILWAY SAFETY REGULATOR (RSR) in Cape Town, Victor Shange, Acting Chief Operating Officer of the Gautrain, shared an in-depth analysis of the Gautrain’s provincial railway line expansion in Gauteng. Shange’s presentation titled “Determining Routes and Developing Railway Lines in Gauteng”, offered key insights into the intricacies of railway development, stakeholder engagement, and the regulatory frameworks that shape the expansion of Gautrain services in South Africa.
Namibia to Delay Railway Project Funding
Namibia has moved funding meant for railway projects in the 2024 budget to other projects, Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Ipumbu Shiimi said in the mid-year budget review.
South Africa: Reforms To Attract Infrastructure Investment
Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana has announced reforms that will create conditions to attract greater infrastructure investment by private sector participation.
History of Sleepers: Concrete Sleepers Types in Service and Development in Modern Railway Track
This is the third and final article in the History of Sleepers series, authored by Mr D.C. Robertson and published in Railways Africa Magazine in 1957.
We have seen how railway sleepers developed from cast iron to wood, and then to steel. The steel sleepers of the 19th Century were not strong enough for the increasing loads. The weakness was remedied by developing a heavier sleeper, using thicker plate and reinforced with ribs.
But for high speed work, steel sleepers do not produce as smooth a running top as wood sleepers. The ballast must be crushed smaller, which makes it more expensive. Unless insulated, it is useless for track circuiting.
South Africa: SEIFSA welcomes a pro-growth medium-term policy statement
The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) commends the National Treasury on a policy statement that is underpinned by a pro-economic growth narrative while maintaining a good degree of fiscal prudence. The latter is critical because it will ensure a virtuous cycle where further pro-growth initiatives can be undertaken.
The structural reforms that have already been undertaken through Operation Vulindlela are starting to yield noteworthy and welcomed benefits to the economy. The focus of the second phase of the initiative on network industries is important. The deterioration of the quality of infrastructure across these industries has been the albatross on economic growth and on the metals and engineering sector. SEIFSA has consistently highlighted that an aggressive industrialisation project can be driven through the repair and rebuild of existing infrastructure.
SEIFSA furthermore welcomes the focus on infrastructure development as a catalyst for growth. Infrastructure development across all its permutations is an important source of demand for the metals and engineering sector. The commitment by the Treasury to publishing Treasury Regulation 16, which administers public-private -partnerships by the end of November this year for implementation in 2025/26 is an important milestone in the right direction.
SEIFSA has historically called for the finalisation of these regulations to mobilise private sector financing and technical expertise. The Federation remains committed to working with the government in this regard.
The macro-economic environment at a global level is gaining momentum and has turned supportive, it is therefore incumbent that the country takes full advantage of the benefits that this supportive environment will yield. Equally, domestically the tide is turning positive and keeping this momentum going will be critical to driving a major industrialisation agenda.
Transnet Amendments to Supply Chain and Preferential Procurement Policies
Transnet SOC Ltd has announced amendments to its Supply Chain Management (SCM) and Preferential Procurement (TPP) Policies, approved by its Board of Directors. These updates, effective from 1 October 2024, will allow Transnet to implement exceptions to Treasury Instruction notes under section 79 of the Public Finance Management Act, aimed at enhancing efficiency in procurement processes.
The revised SCM Policy differentiates between regular administrative procurement and revenue-generating procurement, while the updated TPP Policy focuses on goods and services that directly impact revenue. Full details of the addenda are available on Transnet’s website:
International: Iraqi Republic Railway Company to Embark on $200 Million Baghdad-Baiji Line Rehabilitation
The Iraqi Republic Railway Company (IRRC) has launched a $200 million rehabilitation project for the Baghdad-Baiji railway line, funded by the World Bank’s Emergency Operation for Development Project-Additional Financing (EODP-AF). This 24-month project aims to modernise a 200 km section of the line to UIC 60 standard gauge specifications, addressing infrastructure issues such as embankment repairs and track welding to improve efficiency. Through an international competitive procurement process, the IRRC seeks contractors for design and build services. This initiative supports Iraq’s broader strategy to modernise its rail network, improve regional connectivity, and foster economic growth.
Gautrain Operator, Bombela Operating Company Wins Train Operator of the Year Award at Inaugural Rail Industry Awards
On Thursday, 29 October 2024, the Bombela Operating Company (PTY) LTD , which operates and maintains the Gautrain, was awarded the Train Operator of the Year award at the inaugural Rail Industry Awards hosted by the RAILWAY SAFETY REGULATOR .
The award recognises the excellent operations and maintenance of the Gautrain and comes in a year when South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy and the achievements attained to date.
Road Freight Association: Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) Must Apply Stents to the Transport Arteries of South Africa
The Department of Transport (DoT) prides itself in stating that transport is the “Heartbeat of South Africa’s Economic Growth and Social Development”. The The Road Freight Association (RFA) notes that this must be borne out in the direction and commitment shown by the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana – especially with regard to the prioritisation of spending and the focus on fiscal control and the clear understanding of what our transport requirements are.