Name and Location
Dunnottar train manufacture complex project, Gauteng, South Africa.
Client
Gibela Rail Transport Consortium, comprising Alstom (61%), Ubumbano Rail (30%) and New Africa Rail (9%).
Project Description
The project involves the construction of 60 000 m2 factory at the Dunnottar industrial complex to manufacture trains for South African State-owned Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA). This is in line with a R51-billion contract to supply 600 new trains over ten years and provide technical support, as well as spare parts over an 18-year period, to the rail agency.
The 70 ha industrial park will include a 36 ha train assembly site, a 10 ha bogie, traction and motor site, and a 25 ha supplier park. The factory will produce 580 coaches and is expected to generate about 33 000 direct and indirect jobs.
The plant will also be equipped with several kilometres of rail network, including a 1.2 km dynamic test track for the testing of completed trains.
The first trains are being manufactured in Brazil, while the remaining 580 units will be assembled at Dunnottar. At its peak, the manufacturing facility will produce 62 trains a year, in line with Alstom’s X’Trapolis Mega commuter train design.
To ensure that the contract’s 65% local-content stipulation is met, the complex will also accommodate local components suppliers.
Value
R1-billion.
Duration
Not stated.
Latest Developments
Civil works on the project have been completed and building construction is expected to start this month.
Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.
On Budget and on Time?
Construction of the factory was initially expected to start in early 2015, but delays in securing the site resulted in work falling behind schedule.
Contact Details for Project Information
Gibela communications director Pamella Radebe, email pamella.radebe@gibela-rail.com.
Alstom, Linda Huguet, tel +33 1 57 10 42 or email linda.huguet@transport.alstom.com.