Name of the Project
Gautrain rolling stock procurement programme.

Location
Gauteng, South Africa.

Client
Gautrain Management Agency (GMA), an agency of government.

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

Project Description
The project involves the acquisition of 12 new trains of four cars each for the Gautrain.

The contract includes the design, manufacture, supply and maintenance of the new rolling stock, depot extensions to accommodate the new trains, signalling upgrades, as well as the construction of pocket tracks on the 82 km system for maintenance equipment and the parking of broken-down trains.

The new trains will not have to come from the same family, but will have to operate successfully under similar conditions.

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

Value
The price tag on the trains, the depots and track expansions is expected to be about R2.5-billion to R3-billion, although the weak rand could push prices higher.

The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) will pay for the rolling stock and has secured a loan from the Development Bank of Southern Africa for the acquisition.

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

Duration
The new rolling stock should enter operation in 2018.

Latest Developments
The contract to supply new trains to Gautrain will be awarded to a successful bidder in November next year, Roads and Transport MEC Ismael Vadi has said.

Three bidders, Bombardier Transport, CRRC E-Loco Supply and Egoli Rail Consortium will submit their final bid in May next year.

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.