Transnet doubles capacity as it gears up for grain season

17th May 2021

By: Marleny Arnoldi

Deputy Editor Online

     

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State-owned Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) has doubled the capacity available to transport grain from Bethlehem, in the Free State, by rail to the country's ports for export.

The State-owned freight utility plans to move 550 000 t of export grain this season – which will be a 133% increase on the 235 826 t moved in the prior season.

This season’s expected load is equivalent to taking about 16 100 trucks off the road, which will have a material impact on easing road congestion in the Port of Durban precinct.

The export grain season started in April and runs until September, with a notable peak in activity in June and July.

The export tailing will incrementally ramp up from the current average of 10 000 t a week to 28 000 t a week by the end of May.

TFR plans to run between 15 and 20 export grain trains a week from Bethlehem to the Port of Durban.

The utility aims to further increase rail capacity by the time the 2022 grain export season comes.

Edited by Chanel de Bruyn
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor Online

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