Name of the Project
Matlabas rail loop project.

Location
The project involves the expansion of the coal line between Waterberg, in Limpopo, and Richards Bay, in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Client
Transnet Freight Rail (TFR).

Project Description
The project is a key aspect of Transnet’s plans to spend R21.8-billion over the next seven years to increase rail capacity on the export coal line to 81-million tons.

The construction of the Matlabas loop is the first of five phases to increase capacity on the Waterberg line.

The first phase involved the construction of a 1.8-km-long passing loop at Matlabas, in Limpopo, enabling 100 wagon trains to cross without disrupting the operation of other trains on the line.

Rail capacity between Lephalale, in Limpopo, and Richards Bay Coal Terminal has increased from 400 000 t/y to two-million tons of coal a year since the completion of the project.

Phase 2 is expected to increase the current two-million tons of coal from Lephalale to Richards Bay, to six-million tons a year.
The second stage entails:
• the construction of a 2.8-km loop at Thabazimbi and a new 5 km line to connect the loops at Bleskop and Norite;
• creating a double-line section; and
• building a new 7 km line to connect the loops at Dam and Onderstepoort, creating another double-line section.

The long loops and short double-line sections will enable long trains to pass without disrupting operations. Once Phase 2 is completed, TFR will increase the current service from one jumbo wagon train (200-wagon train) a day to three big trains a day.

Jobs to be Created
Not stated.

Value
Not stated.

Duration
Phase 1 was completed in July.

Construction of the second stage has begun.

Latest Developments
The first phase of the project was inaugurated on July 14.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Transnet spokesperson Molatwane Likhethe, tel +27 11 308 2458 or email Molatwane.likhethe@transnet.net.