Engineering News | Rail Infrastructure (incorporating Africa Rail)

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Rail Transport and Infrastructure

Expected decline in safety related rail incidents

By: Darren Parker 12th June 2020 The Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) expects that an analysis of railway safety incidents in April and May will reveal a declining trend in some categories of operational occurrence since some railway operations were suspended during levels 4 and 5 of the Covid-19 national lockdown. As legislated,... →

Rail needs innovative risk-sharing structures

By: Darren Parker 12th June 2020 African railway owners and operators should consider linking freight and passenger rail services as a way of diversifying the risks and rewards that have become evident in these systems on the back of the Covid-19 crisis, says Development Bank of Southern Africa transport, logistics and bulk... →

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SHOULDERING THE LOAD While passenger rail suffered losses, freight rail enjoyed increased demand throughout the Covid-19 lockdown

Gautrain takes a knock to protect customer base

By: Darren Parker 12th June 2020 Gautrain rapid-rail network operator Bombela Concession Company has maintained or, in some cases, increased Gautrain operational capacity despite low passenger numbers. “While maintaining or even increasing capacity at a time when demand has reduced goes against commercial logic, it makes perfect... →

STAYING ON TRACK The Gautrain has continued to operate at full capacity despite experiencing a significant reduction in paying customers during lockdown

OLI South Africa

12th June 2020 Making business simpler for customers, while going global with a first-class product, has successfully established industrial vibration technology company OLI as the world’s top-selling supplier of electric external moto-vibrators. OLI products are distributed throughout Southern Africa by its... →

Metric Automotive Engineering

12th June 2020 Metric Automotive Engineering is positioned as a world-class diesel engine component remanufacturer. Well-known in the mining, quarrying, earthworks, construction and railway sectors for its ability to remanufacture diesel engine components to original equipment manufacturer specifications, and... →

Companies sign MoU for rail development on the continent

By: Mc'Kyla Nortje 6th March 2020 Multilateral development finance bank African Export-Import Bank and local railway services company Thelo DB signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop, finance and operate railway projects in Africa. Thelo DB is an incorporated partnership between Thelo Ventures and Germany-based... →

Photo by Ben Bergh
GREATER COLLABRATION Thelo DB and African Export-Import Bank will collaborate to support the modernisation of Africa’s railways

South African rail manufacturing sector needs to reinvent itself

By: Mc'Kyla Nortje 6th March 2020 Despite South Africa’s having a strong presence on the railway scene – claiming almost 30% of the continent’s kilometres and more than 60% of its rail freight – the country’s rail manufacturing sector has not leveraged this position to lead in the manufacturing of rolling stock on the continent,... →

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CONTINENTAL BENEFITS Through the AfCFTA, the benefits for South Africa and its African peers will be easier distribution, new export markets and new business opportunities

Need for change to address challenges in rail sector

By: Mc'Kyla Nortje 6th March 2020 Despite the local rail industry in South Africa constituting a sizeable and critical portion of the economy, and being well developed, compared with the rest of Africa, the rail infrastructure is not properly maintained, says rail equipment manufacturer Evorail GM Daniel Tchengoue. “The biggest... →

Regulator plans to increase safety awareness

By: Mc'Kyla Nortje 6th March 2020 Owing to various safety-related challenges that the South African rail industry has faced in the past year, the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) plans to increase its safety awareness activities to mitigate the risk of operational occurrences. According to the ‘State of Safety’ report 2018/19, a... →

SAFETY FIRST improved maintenance systems are crucial in addressing the current safety challenges within rail sector

Longest Production Train in the World

11th July 2019 In an unprecedented move, Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) successfully ran a 375 wagon manganese train. The testing of the train took place on Wednesday, 05 September 2018 over a distance of around 861 km, from Sishen to Saldanha. The test train is four (4) kilometres long and will be a production... →

South Africans to prepare ‘smart heavy haul industry’ roadmap

3rd July 2019 The South African Heavy Haul Association (SAHHA) hosted a three-day technical workshop in Johannesburg in late 2018 as part of preparations for the 2019 International Heavy Haul Association (IHHA) conference to be held in Narvik, Norway, from June 10 to 14. Ten countries are a part of the IHHA... →

Defining the heavy-haul railway of the future

26th June 2019 Heavy-haul railways are under constant pressure to optimise operational efficiency, a factor that has led the sector to spearhead many new technologies. Michael Roney, special advisor to the International Heavy Haul Association (IHHA), explains in this article, originally published in the... →

Transnet Freight Rail Breakthrough Technologies

19th June 2019 In a context of increasing competition, growing demand and tighter management of operational and capital costs, freight railways are constantly looking for ways to increase efficiency by boosting throughput and cutting costs. Below are several breakthrough technologies that have been developed... →

Technology integration crucial

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 14th June 2019 Digital technology solutions provider Etion Digitise CE Koketso Seripe is set to deliver a presentation at the Africa Rail exhibition and conference, which will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre, in Gauteng, on June 19 and 20. Seripe will deliver his presentation, titled ‘A seamless... →

INTEGRATION STATION Etion Digitise’s integrated system display serves as a human-machine interface for other systems in the train

Event will address challenges facing African rail industries

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 14th June 2019 Several challenges face Africa’s rail industries, and global events company Terrapinn will host the twenty-second annual Africa Rail exhibition and conference, which aims to tackle these challenges. Terrapinn business development manager Athena Maharaj tells Engineering News that there is a... →

EXHIBITION BONANZA Terrapinn is expecting 250 exhibitors at Africa Rail

Government departments need to align to revive industry – RRA

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 14th June 2019 There is no alignment in terms of the objectives of the local rail industry, and the country lacks a united vision, says the Railroad Association of South Africa (RRA) CEO Mesela Nhlapo. Currently, the visions of the different government departments are not aligning, which leads to policies being... →

RAIL’S RIGHTFUL PLACE The Railroad Association of South Africa works to promote and protect the interests of its members and the rail industry

Heavy Haul Game Changer

12th June 2019 International Heavy Haul Association (IHHA) chairperson Brian Monakali, who is also acting Rail Network GM at South Africa’s Transnet Freight Rail, believes collaboration is the key to ensuring that global heavy haul operators mitigate the risks associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution... →

IHHA chairperson Brian Monakali outlines the risks and opportunities posed to heavy haul railways by the unfolding Fourth Industrial Revolution. Camerawork: Nicholas Boyd. Editing: Christo Greyling.

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... →

MADELEIN WILLIAMS The RSR aims to educate and conduct public awareness activities relating to safe railway operations

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... →

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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... →

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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

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