Ramos’s rail rejuvenation gets on track

KEVIN MAYHEW
A DEFINITIVE announcement of an actual exercise to invest 10% of the R35bn earmarked for a five year capital investment programme by Transnet was finally made by the group chief executive, Maria Ramos, last week. She signed an agreement between Transnet and Mitsui and Company African Rail Solutions (Mars) for the supply of 110 new electric AC/DC locomotives for the coal line at a total cost of R3.5bn over five years. Tests on the line begin in 18 months time with delivery of the first operational units to follow six months later. Present locomotives range in age from 20 years to 57 with an average age of 29 years. By increasing the train capacity by 50% or 300 wagons per train, there should be cost benefits which will impact on future rates for the line. Fifty per cent of the contract value will remain in South Africa and 41% of Mars is owned by BEE partners. Main subcontractors are Union Carriage and Wagons and Toshiba, a major Japanese locomotive manufacturer. In total 43 companies are involved in the project, with BEE ranging from five to 100%. Maria Ramos and Spoornet CEO Siyabonga Gama are pictured at the signing with the general manager, transportation projects division, Mitsui (Tokyo), Masanari Nagai. AIDC plans strategy workshop