Initial shipment marks the start of Traxtion’s R1.8 billion rolling stock investment programme, with 46 locomotives expected over the next two years
South Africa’s freight rail sector has taken another step towards expanding private rail operations with the arrival of the first eight Wabtec C28 locomotives at the Port of Durban, all the way from New Zealand.
The locomotives form the first shipment under Traxtion’s R1.8 billion rolling stock investment programme, which aims to strengthen freight rail capacity across Southern Africa while supporting ongoing rail sector reforms.
Over the next two years, a total of 46 locomotives are expected to enter service, providing additional hauling capacity for industries that rely on rail to move bulk commodities, containers and general freight.
Before entering operation, the locomotives will undergo refurbishment at Traxtion’s Rail Services Hub in Pretoria, where the work is expected to support local engineering expertise, skilled jobs and South African supply chains.
“The locomotives will be refurbished at our Rail Services Hub in Pretoria, supporting South African engineering expertise, skilled employment and local supply chains while helping unlock additional freight capacity for businesses across the region,” Traxtion said.
The investment comes at a time when South Africa is opening its freight rail network to greater private sector participation in an effort to improve network performance, increase competition and shift more cargo from road to rail. At the recent Coal and Energy Transition Day in Johannesburg, stakeholders argued that additional rolling stock and private investment are essential to easing congestion, lowering logistics costs and improving the reliability of freight transport.
For businesses across Southern Africa, the additional locomotives are expected to create more capacity on key freight corridors while helping meet growing demand for rail services from the mining, agriculture, manufacturing and logistics sectors.