Name of the Project
Gautrain additional rolling stock and depot enhancement procurement programme.

Location
Gauteng, South Africa.

Client
Gautrain Management Agency (GMA), an agency of the Gauteng Provincial government (GPG).

The Gautrain is operated by the Bombela Concession Company (BCC).

Project Description
The project involves the acquisition of additional rolling stock comprising 12 new trains of four cars each and a workshop for the maintenance of the new trains.

The first contract includes the design, supply and maintenance of the new rolling stock, as well as the design, construction and maintenance of the depot extensions to accommodate the new trains. Three service providers were pre-qualified and participated in the bidding process.

Jobs to be Created
The project is expected to sustain 10 000 jobs in Gauteng.

Value
The total project value is estimated at R2.5-billion.

The GPG will be the owner of the project and funding will be provided by the Development Bank of Southern Africa.

It is, however, amenable to alternative funding options as presented by the successful bidder.

Duration
The new rolling stock is planned to start operations towards the end of 2021.

Latest Developments
It is back to the drawing board for the procurement of additional rolling stock for the Gautrain system, after the three prequalified bidders’ submissions failed to meet procurement requirements.

The prequalified bidders – Bombardier Transport, CRRC E-Loco Supply and Egoli Rail Consortium – submitted proposals in October last year to supply 12 new four-car trains for Gauteng’s rapid rail network.

The evaluation by teams of legal, technical, financial and economic development experts was completed in early December, but none were compliant.

The GMA says the tender issued contained minimum requirements in technical, financial, legal and socioeconomic development categories, as well as statutory compliance requirements that are part of South African supply chain management.

Of the three prequalified bidders, two did not submit any bid, with the submitted bid not meeting all the minimum requirements set in the tender.

The Gautrain system remains in need of additional rolling stock owing to congestion, especially during peak periods, and the GMA and the BCC will continue exploring options to obtain new train sets, the GMA has said.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Too early to state.

Contact Details for Project Information
GMA senior executive manager communication and marketing Dr Barbara Jensen, email barbaraj@gautrain.co.za.