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Rail Transport and Infrastructure

Collaboration, safety awareness to mitigate railway fatalities

By: Khutso Maphatsoe 8th March 2019 The Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) hopes to collaborate with all stakeholders that have direct or indirect interactions with rail systems to mitigate fatalities associated with railways. These stakeholders include the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), the South African Police Service... →

Event aims to contribute to development of African rail

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 8th March 2019 Global events company Terrapinn will host the twenty-second annual Africa Rail exhibition and conference to contribute to the development of the rail sector across Africa, says Terrapin business development manager Athena Maharaj. She tells Engineering News that there will be a big focus on... →

INTERNATIONAL ATTENDANCE Attendees from more than 70 countries are expected at Africa Rail

Rail safety important for future of public transport

By: Khutso Maphatsoe 8th March 2019 Rail should ensure that it is a public-transport mode of choice by considering the importance of delivering a service to commuters which is available, punctual and safe, says Gautrain Management Agency CEO Jack van der Merwe. “Public transport in South Africa is a mode of force – people don’t use... →

RAIL Availability, punctuality and safety are key to the rail industry

Modernisation improves railway travel experience

By: Khutso Maphatsoe 8th March 2019 Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) is making huge strides to modernise its passenger railway to improve the experience of passengers. “Not only are we starting to receive delivery of the modern trainsets but the implementation of the infrastructure programme is also under way, which... →

Photo by Creamer Media
DEVELOPMENTS The new signalling system will create an environment for in-cab signalling and levels of automatic train protection

Investments in infrastructure projects set to improve rail industry

By: Khutso Maphatsoe 8th March 2019 The future of rail infrastructure in South Africa is bright and bold as government has set an ambitious target to have the fifth largest railway network globally, says multidisciplinary engineering consulting firm WSP Africa Infrastructure and Transportation division director Vishaal Lutchman.... →

VISHAAL LUTCHMAN The National Transport Master Plan will invest R751.74-billion in infrastructure projects until 2050, with 43% earmarked for the rail sector.

Company offers efficient bulk handling solutions

1st June 2018 Niche market container products supplier Specialised Container Agencies (SCA) has developed an intermodal side tipper bin that provides efficient bulk handling rail solutions, encouraging greater use of rail wagon container haulage. “SCA’s intermodal tipper bins ensure quick, safe and cost... →

TRANSCENDING TRANSPORT Specialised Container Agencies’ intermodal side tipper bins can be used across different modes of transport, including road and rail

Event to inspire industry to think differently – organisers

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 1st June 2018 Global events company Terrapinn will host the twenty-first annual Africa Rail exhibition and conference at the Sandton Convention Centre, in Gauteng, on June 12 and 13, which it believes will encourage the African railway industry to innovate and think differently. Africa Rail is the meeting... →

ATHENA MAHARAJ Africa Rail is an unrivalled platform for the continent’s railway industry to come together, learn, network and do business

Politics suppressing rail infrastructure build in Africa

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 1st June 2018 Election cycles and governance have an inherently negative impact on rail infrastructure planning and the construction thereof in Africa, says multidisciplinary engineering consultancy WSP Africa transport and infrastructure director Vishaal Lutchman. He adds that many African countries have... →

VISHAAL LUTCHMAN The lack of continuity in government leads to unfinished projects and decaying rail infrastructure

Rail operator to occupy its rail services hub this month

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 1st June 2018 Locomotive and rail operator Traxtion Sheltam plans to move into its rail services hub in Rosslyn, Pretoria, later this month, says CEO James Holley. The company started this project last year owing to its requiring a hub to service its own fleet of locomotives, wagons and cabooses. →

RAIL SERVICES HUB The first phase of Traxtion Sheltam Rosslyn rail services hub is about 90% complete and includes a fully functioning workshop

Safety issues must be addressed – law firm

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 1st June 2018 Safety is a massive problem in the rail industry in South Africa and it must be dealt with, says global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright director and head of rail David Kapelus. Ageing infrastructure and unlawful activity contribute to the country’s rail safety problems, with significant problems... →

Photo by Creamer Media
TUMULTUOUS TRACKS In April, a vehicle and train collided at a level-crossing in the Western Cape when the vehicle apparently attempted to cross the railway tracks when it was not safe to do so

Technology uptake to solve industry challenges

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 1st June 2018 Although there has been some progress in establishing continuous connectivity in the form of WiFi networks on railway systems in South Africa, political issues have limited the uptake of technologies in the rail industry, says access network infrastructure provider Ruckus Networks sub-Saharan... →

RIAAN GRAHAM A challenge associated with introducing and implementing IoT technologies is that there is currently no clear standard within the IoT sphere

Clamping tool can mitigate rail cable theft

By: Melissa Zisengwe 9th March 2018 Industrial equipment supplier Banding and Identification Solutions South Africa (Band-It) states that rail operators can mitigate rail power cable theft, which is rife across South Africa, by using its UL4000-C Ultra-Lok cable clamping tool. →

CLAMPING TOOL The UL4000-C is an anti-theft ans cable management device that assist rail operators to end cable theft

Shunting locomotive company introduces upgraded Unilok

By: Melissa Zisengwe 9th March 2018 Rail logistics company African Railway Systems and Consultants has introduced the South African rail market to the new upgrade of the Unilok shunting locomotives. →

NEW MODEL Unilok locomotive in road mode

Standard rail network can foster intercountry trade

By: Melissa Zisengwe 9th March 2018 Linking African countries with a standard rail network will assist in growing inter-country trade and, subsequently, foster Africa’s economic growth, says engineering consultancy WSP Africa Group. →

VISHAAL LUTCHMAN Africa needs to start leading and building itself

Update on multimodal project progress set for next year

By: Donald Makhafola 15th December 2017 In the first quarter of next year, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) is set to provide further update on the Moloto rail corridor expansion project which aims to link Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo to ensure that passenger rail is the backbone of an integrated multi-modal... →

Plans on track for rapid rail network extensions in Gauteng

By: Donald Makhafola 15th December 2017 The Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) is hopeful that the National Treasury will approve the much-awaited Treasury Approval 1 (TA1) for the planned extension of a rapid rail network, following the submission of the feasibility study early this year. “We . . . handed in the documents to the... →

Mega engineering projects could boost SA economy

By: Donald Makhafola 15th December 2017 As South Africa is embarking on a mega railway infrastructure development that will take an estimated 20 years to complete, transportation systems developer Futran Group of Companies director Andries Louw says such projects should be used as an anchor to re-establish the culture of mega... →

Legislation, regulation to ensure rail success

By: Donald Makhafola 15th December 2017 Industry related forum Transport Forum custodian Harry van Huyssteen believes that the major rail infrastructure projects in South Africa could be better implemented if there was improved regulation and legislation. →

Connectivity – the next step for rail

By: Marleny Arnoldi 2nd June 2017 With the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT), it has become a necessity for commuters to be connected, and it is also essential for increased operational efficiency in railway networks. This connectivity can be achieved through WiFi networks, which are heading towards being a prominent... →

RIAAN GRAHAM An upcoming trend in the rail industry is cybersecurity, which is paramount when introducing a public Internet connectivity domain

Bearings company continues international market expansion

By: Marleny Arnoldi 2nd June 2017 With 50% of its products exported from South Africa, specialised polymer manufacturer Vesconite Bearings continues to reinforce its presence in international markets as companies abroad maintain interest in its product offering. →

Digital technology influences rail industry positively

By: Marleny Arnoldi 2nd June 2017 Rail infrastructure in South Africa is trending towards smart digital technologies that will influence the industry positively, says consulting engineers company Aurecon. “The integrated three-dimensional (3D) designs used particularly in South Africa are being used to plan and model rail... →

FRANCOIS HEYNS It is not necessarily a case of building more infrastructure, but rather improving the efficiency of existing railways

Electronics supplier to launch latest tech

By: Marleny Arnoldi 2nd June 2017 Electronics supplier Actum Electronics will launch railway technology manufacturer Pentair’s three-dimensional (3D) configurator tool program to customise racks and front panels in railway infrastructure at the Africa Rail exhibition on June 13 and 14 at the Sandton Convention Centre, in... →

New partnership for SA rail industry

2nd June 2017 Last month, Canada-based system monitoring and control solutions company ZTR Control Systems announced its new partnership with local rail system supplies manufacturer Surtees Railway Supplies, an extended company of the Surtees Rail Group in South Africa. →

CONTROL SOLUTIONS ZTR Control Systems offers intelligent equipment management solutions for locomotive modernisation

Alstom receives order in Canada

2nd June 2017 Railway systems and equipment company Alstom has been awarded a firm order for the supply of 61 Citadis Spirit light rail vehicles for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area by Ontario government agency Metrolinx. →

SPEED & SAFETY The interior layout of the Alstom Citadis Spirit light rail vehicle features a wide central aisle and interior circulation

Conference to focus on heavy haul rail industry

2nd June 2017 The International Heavy Haul Association (IHHA), in partnership with State-owned freight logistics group Transnet and the South African Heavy Haul Association (SAHHA), will host its eleventh IHHA conference on September 2 to 6 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, in South Africa. →

Photo by Duane Daws
HEAVY HAUL RAIL The eleventh International Heavy Haul Association conference covers updates on heavy haul developments, rail expansion plans and global technological advancements

On track for Africa Rail

By: Marleny Arnoldi 2nd June 2017 This month, business-to-business media company Terrapinn will host the twentieth annual Africa Rail exhibition and conference at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, Gauteng, from June 13 to 14. Africa Rail provides an interactive platform for rail industry stakeholders to share... →

INCLUSIVE GROWTH Africa Rail provides an interactive platform for rail industry stakeholders with the view to improve railway performance and its contribution to economic development

JV completes Phase 1 of subway line

3rd March 2017 Integrated firm AECOM and global firm Arup celebrated the completion of the first phase of the Second Avenue Subway for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) earlier this year. It is the first major expansion of New York City subway system done by the AECOM-Arup Joint Venture (JV) in... →

Photo by Bloomberg
SUCCESSFUL PROJECT The completion of the first phase of the Second Avenue Subway will improve travel for both city and suburban commuters on Manhattan’s east side

Alstom awarded its first tramway contract in Taiwan

3rd March 2017 Multinational rail transport company Alstom has been awarded a contract by China Steel Corporation to supply fifteen Citadis trams for Phase 2 of the Kaohsiung tramway project, in Taiwan, which is expected to start revenue service in 2019. This tramway project – the first of its kind for Alstom... →

Photo by Bloomberg
TRAMWAY CONTRACT Alstom will supply fifteen Citadis trams for Phase 2 of the Kaohsiung tramway project in Taiwan

KPMG at forefront of PRASA rail infrastructure upgrades

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 3rd March 2017 Leading global advisory firm KPMG is providing full financial, commercial and localisation advisory services for one of public transport utility Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s (PRASA’s) projects currently under way. The rolling stock project, which reached financial close during the... →

Photo by Duane Daws
PRASA PROJECT The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa is replacing the entire metro rail fleet of South Africa through the provision of 3 600 new train car units

Extensive scope for remanufacture of locomotive components

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 3rd March 2017 Owing to substantial investment by government in imported railway locomotives in recent years, as well as its goal to prioritise localisation, heavy diesel engine and component remanufacturers Metric Automotive Engineering says there is extensive scope for the local remanufacture of locomotive... →

Photo by Bloomberg
LOCAL IS LEKKER South Africa’s developing its capacity to remanufacture locomotive engine components can enable it to become a hub to serve Africa

S Africa aims to improve poor maintenance of railway infrastructure

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 3rd March 2017 The inability of local rail infrastructure to attract sufficient revenue has led to a deficiency in the required sustaining capital necessary for its maintenance, says professional services consultancy WSP|Parsons Brinckerhoff infrastructure and transportation divisional director Vishaal... →

Photo by Bloomberg
MANDATORY MAINTENANCE Several projects have been implemented or are under way to improve rail infrastructure in South Africa

Railway company investments to facilitate economic growth

By: Sascha Solomons 16th December 2016 The current investments by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and State-owned freight utility Transnet will largely facilitate economic growth in South Africa through major infrastructure projects currently under way, says consulting and auditing firm KPMG infrastructure deal... →

Photo by Duane Daws
DE BUYS SCOTT investments by the PRASA and Transnet will largely facilitate economic growth in South Africa

Execution of PRASA project contributes to outstanding results

16th December 2016 Railway sector services provider Alstom Group announced in its “outstanding” fiscal year 2016/17 results that trains reached €1.6-billon sales, with ongoing execution of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) project in South Africa among other deliveries of suburban, regional and... →

Company completes Wolmerton rail project

By: Sascha Solomons 16th December 2016 Rail track construction, rehabilitation, electrification and maintenance provider Grindrod Rail Construction (GRC), in a joint venture with engineering company Bakara, has completed the rail refurbishment of the Wolmerton Depot. This forms part of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s... →

WOLMERTON DEPOT The Wolmerton Depot overhaul falls under PRASA’s Depot Modernisation Programme

Stability and cohesion a way forward for African rail sector

By: Simon Sonnekus 29th July 2016 Companies are under pressure from government and the public to embark on new projects while there are still projects that need to be completed. The countless delays across the rail expansions are concerning, says the RailRoad Association of South Africa (RRA). Negative sentiments by the industry... →

Photo by Duane Daws
DELAYS Negative sentiments by the industry on implementing the designation policy and delays of some rail projects have led to discussions with Trade and Industry Minister Dr Rob Davies

Inspection device to provide safety in rail operations

By: Simon Sonnekus 29th July 2016 The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has developed a prototype survey and inspection device (SID) to survey and inspect South Africa’s railway lines, which is intended to improve safety and operations. Along with reporting on the condition of the rail infrastructure, the SID... →

DEBUT The CSIR's survey and inspection device (SID) was debuted at Africa Rail 2016

Local content priority for PRASA contract

29th July 2016 French multinational rail transport company Alstom, which has a controlling stake in local rail transport consortium Gibela, has reinforced its commitment to ensuring local content forms a significant portion of the multibillion-rand contract signed between Gibela and the Passenger Rail Agency of... →

GB14 passenger Bo-Bo loco launched by Grindrod

26th July 2016 Rail engineering solutions provider Grindrod Locomotives has implemented over 20 shunting solutions across Africa, including the latest delivery of six locomotives to the Cote d'Ivoire Sitarail operations since developing its shunting product range in 2012. This GS7 shunting product is a three... →

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