South Africa’s rail reform programme continues to gather pace as Transnet moves to attract private sector participation in key rail infrastructure.
The company’s rail infrastructure arm, Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM), has initiated a process for private sector entities to bid to operate and invest in three siding facilities for a period of ten years. The move forms part of ongoing reforms aimed at opening the rail network to third party operators, cargo owners, and logistics service providers.
Request for proposals have been issued for the Klaserie Siding in Limpopo, which handles coal and containers, as well as the Krugersdorp Siding in Gauteng and the Ngagane Siding in KwaZulu Natal. The latter two facilities currently serve as consolidation hubs for coal but could also be developed to handle containerised cargo.
The three requests for proposals outline a multistage bidding process that includes prequalification, a functional evaluation and a final price and preference assessment.
TRIM indicates that bidders must include proposals for rail line refurbishments, loading facilities, drainage, lighting, security, fencing, access roads, and other infrastructure upgrades.
As part of their submissions, bidders are also expected to provide a development plan outlining their investment commitments and how the siding facilities would be optimally developed over the ten-year operating period.
Through market value-based rentals, with safeguards to preserve asset value, bidders are also expected to demonstrate how their proposals would improve turnaround times and strengthen road to rail efficiency.
Safety, health, and regulatory compliance is a non-negotiable requirement for bidders, who must also submit a valid broad based black economic empowerment certificate as part of their proposals.
According to TRIM CEO Moshe Motlohi, the issuance of the requests for proposals highlights the organisation’s commitment to transparent and market-based access to rail infrastructure.
“By inviting private-sector participation under a long-term, regulated framework, we aim to strengthen partnerships, improve service delivery, and unlock value across our rail estate,” Motlohi said.
TRIM is responsible for the country’s rail network after it was vertically separated from Transnet Freight Rail in 2024 as part of reforms aimed at enabling private train operating companies to enter the rail system.
The deadline for bid submissions is April 30. A non-compulsory virtual tender briefing will be held on Friday March 13 to provide additional information to interested bidders.