Bids open for 599 electric locos

Bombardier is also in the process of bidding for Transnet’s locomotive fleet – including a contract for 599 electric locomotives. South Africa’s government is also talking about a high-speed rail link between Johannesburg and Durban, talks in which Bombardier participates. “These are truly significant rail investment projects. They are some of the biggest happenings in the world today,” said Bombardier’s Aubrey Lekwane. He noted that projects also had to make financial sense. A rail link could be high tech, but if it won’t be used, it won’t pay for itself over time, and investment in such a project would for the time being make no sense. However, South Africa is only just starting its investment in its rail network. Transnet embarked on a seven-year revamp and expansion plan at the start of this year to better service industries in South Africa.