Name and Location
PRASA New Rolling Stock Procurement Programme – Vossloh new long-haul passenger locomotives project, South Africa.

Client
Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA).

Project Description
The project entails the delivery of 70 new long-haul passenger locomotives, as part of PRASA’s rolling stock fleet renewal programme, from Spain-based Vossloh.

The locomotives, which will primarily be used for the MLPS Shosholoza Meyl and Premier Classe operations, are being leased to PRASA by Swifambo Rail Leasing through a R3.5-billion contract.

The Vossloh locomotives can run on electrified and nonelectrified lines, allowing for uninterrupted travel without the need to swap lead locomotives to suit each terrain on long distances. The locomotives will also feature dual braking and an aerodynamic lightweight body, will travel at between 120 km/h and 130 km/h, and are expected to reduce maintenance costs and diesel consumption.

Twenty of the 70 locomotives will be AFRO 4000 series diesel locomotives, with the balance being electrodiesel versions.

The contract includes an option for additional locomotives and locomotive maintenance in South Africa. It also comprises training as part of skills development and skills transfer.

In support of the new rolling stock procurement programme, PRASA has embarked on a major modernisation programme that will include depot and station modernisation, a rolling stock refurbishment programme, a perway, bridges and infrastructure, as well as signalling upgrades.

Value
R3.5-billion.

Duration
The first Vossloh AFRO 4000 diesel locomotive was unveiled in December 2014.

The final locomotive is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2016.

Latest Developments
Transport Minister Dipuo Peters has reported that the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) is still conducting tests regarding investigations into the suitability of the Afro 4000 locomotives for use on South Africa’s rail network.

PRASA faced a media storm earlier this year, amid allegations that the Afro 4000 locomotives were too tall for South African infrastructure.

PRASA has insisted that the trains do not exceed the height requirements, but the debacle has led to the dismissal of the former CEO Lucky Montana and the chief engineer on the project Daniel Mtimkulu.

“The RSR has given me an indication that, through the preliminary report on the investigations of the 20 locomotives that were supposed to have come, it is ready to inform PRASA and Transnet of its findings,” Peters has stated.

Upon completion, the RSR will progress to costing calculations and determine if there will be any additional costs.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
PRASA, Moffet Mofokeng, tel +27 12 748 7000 or email momofokeng@prasa.com.
Vossloh, tel +49 2392 52 0.