SA Targets Moving 250 Million Tonnes of Rail Freight by 2029: President
18:46 16.03.2026 (Updated: 19:14 16.03.2026)
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SA Targets Moving 250 Million Tonnes of Rail Freight by 2029: President
The establishment of the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager has opened up the rail network to broader access, Cyril Ramaphosa announced, speaking Monday at the inaugural National Transport Conference in Johannesburg.
According to the president, 11 train operating companies have been conditionally awarded train slots with the capacity to move 24 million tonnes annually. The first private operator is expected to begin operations in April 2027.
Rail freight volumes reached 160 million tonnes in the past financial year—a 5.5% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, Transnet's revenue for 2024-2025 rose to ~$4.9 billion, nearly 8% higher than the previous year.
To reduce backlogs and increase port volumes, Transnet has launched an extensive upgrading and maintenance program. At the same time, the National Logistics Crisis Committee brings together government and experts to drive logistics recovery.
Early results include:
▫Improved performance on coal and iron ore corridors
▫Better communication with customers
▫Fewer rail security incidents
''These are early signs of recovery. They tell us that the interventions are working,'' President Ramaphosa concluded.
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The establishment of the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager has opened up the rail network to broader access, Cyril Ramaphosa announced, speaking Monday at the inaugural National Transport Conference in Johannesburg.
According to the president, 11 train operating companies have been conditionally awarded train slots with the capacity to move 24 million tonnes annually. The first private operator is expected to begin operations in April 2027.
Rail freight volumes reached 160 million tonnes in the past financial year—a 5.5% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, Transnet's revenue for 2024-2025 rose to ~$4.9 billion, nearly 8% higher than the previous year.
To reduce backlogs and increase port volumes, Transnet has launched an extensive upgrading and maintenance program. At the same time, the National Logistics Crisis Committee brings together government and experts to drive logistics recovery.
Early results include:
▫Improved performance on coal and iron ore corridors
▫Better communication with customers
▫Fewer rail security incidents
''These are early signs of recovery. They tell us that the interventions are working,'' President Ramaphosa concluded.
Subscribe to @sputnik_africa
Sputnik Africa | X
