Railways Africa NewsXpress: Week 47:2024
Railways Africa Magazine
Railways Africa? is the Authoritative Magazine for the rail industry in Africa
South African Manufacturing Expertise Opens Doors for Delhi and Pune Metro Projects
Knorr-Bremse South Africa leverages expertise gained from PRASA X’Trapolis trains to supply doors for the Delhi Metro and Pune Metro projects. The innovative manufacturing process positions South Africa as a global hub for metro train door production.
Uganda Groundbreaking Ceremony of the Eastern Railway Line (SGR) Has Taken Place
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Eastern Railway Line (SGR), which holds strategic importance not only for Uganda but also for East Africa, took place on November 21 in Tororo. The ceremony was attended by Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, Uganda’s Minister of Transport Katumba Wamala, Turkish Ambassador to Kampala Mehmet Fatih Ak, Vice Chairman of the Board of Yap? Merkezi Construction Dr. Erdem Ar?o?lu, and the General Manager of Yap? Merkezi Construction Mustafa Kopuz.
Traxtion Secures ZAR 175 Million Asset-Backed Debt Facility
Traxtion has secured a new asset-backed debt facility of up to ZAR 175 million from Absa Bank Limited. This facility will enable the refinancing of some existing debt while providing additional financial resources to support further investment in rolling stock.
BC van Rooyen, CFA, Group CFO at Traxtion, stated: “This facility provides Traxtion with increased flexibility to capitalise on our commercial pipeline and reduce borrowing costs.”
Traxtion acknowledges the strategic importance of collaborating with financial institutions like Absa Group, particularly under South Africa’s evolving regulatory landscape, to drive growth in the rail sector. The company emphasises the critical role such funding plays in enabling private rail operators to strengthen the country’s rail industry.
African Development Bank Invests $55 bln to Bolster Economic Integration Across Africa
The African Development Bank Group has invested $55 billion in regional connectivity across Africa over the past decade, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing continental integration and trade.
Articulated Skips Improve Efficiencies in the Loading Operation at Maydon Wharf Terminal
A trial to use articulated skips instead of traditional skips in the chrome loading operation at the Maydon Wharf Terminal has set an efficiency record of more than 50%, increasing the loading rate from an average of 140 tons per hour per vessel crane to 350 tons per hour per vessel crane.
Tanzania Railways Corporation Highlights Success of Electric Train Transportation
The Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) announced that it successfully transported over 1,000,000 passengers within four months following the launch of the electric train routes between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma in June 2024, officiated by His Excellency President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.
领英推荐
The Port Elizabeth Car Terminal Handles Vessel H?egh Aurora’s First Africa Call
On 19 November 2024, the Port Elizabeth Car Terminal marked a major milestone when it handled Vessel H?egh Aurora on its first call to Africa. This advanced cargo-handling vessel, with a capacity of 9 100 vehicles, discharged 1 966 imported vehicles from the Bremerhaven and Santander ports in Germany and Spain, respectively.
Zambia Railways Considering Various Options to Raise US$248 Million
Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) plans to raise US$248 million required for its strategic business plan running from 2024 to 2028 through various funding options.
Chairman, Emmanuel Hachipuka said in an interview that the money will be raised from loans from debt lenders, grants from the Zambian government and multilateral institutions and concessional loans from multilateral institutions as well as shareholder equity.
Transport Evolution Africa Forum & Expo 2025 Joins Forces with Big 5 Construct South Africa for Africa’s Premier Infrastructure Event
Revised Event Dates: 17-19 June 2025, Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa — The Transport Evolution Africa Forum & Expo 2025 is thrilled to announce a new date and an exciting partnership! From 17-19 June 2025, the event will co-locate with South Africa’s largest construction expo, Big 5 Construct South Africa. This powerhouse collaboration creates a unique platform for integrated solutions, bringing together leaders in transport, construction, and infrastructure at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
Botswana Announces Changes in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure
Following the recent elections in Botswana, the President has appointed Hon. Noah Salakae as the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, with Hon. Keoagile Atamelang serving as the Assistant Minister.
Wagons on route to Tanzania Railways Corporation
The Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) has confirmed that the manufacturing of 264 freight wagons, intended for use on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), has been completed in China. The ship carrying these wagons departed China on 12 November 2024 and is expected to arrive in Tanzania in mid-December 2024.
The consignment includes 200 container wagons and 64 wagons for loose cargo.
According to the contract, this shipment of 264 wagons is part of 1,430 wagons that are to be manufactured by CRRC.
Zambia Railways is Shaping Southern Africa’s Rail Network – Funding, Expansion & Key Corridor Updates with ZRL Chairperson
In this episode of Coffee with the Editor, Phillippa Dean of Railways Africa Magazine speaks with Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) Board Chairperson, Mr. Emmanuel Hachipuka, covering Zambia’s pivotal role as a rail hub in Southern Africa. The discussion covers Zambia’s ambitious plans for regional rail connectivity, including the strategic role of TAZARA, recent progress on the Lobito Corridor, and partnerships shaping ZRL’s future.
Mr. Hachipuka provides updates on ZRL’s plans to secure funding for comprehensive track upgrades, acquisition of new rolling stock, and enhancing efficiency through critical rail corridors, including the Nacala and Kazungula Bridge projects. The conversation also touches on government-led efforts to streamline legislative frameworks for open-access operations.
Whether you’re interested in infrastructure and rolling stock opportunities, investment, or policy developments in African railways, this conversation offers an in-depth look at Zambia’s journey towards becoming a major player in regional and continental rail transport.
--
2 个月Congrats!