Transnet Freight Rail Expanding Partnerships, Boosts Capacity Plans
Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) CEO, Russell Baatjies, in a recent Coffee with the Editor Interview with Railways Africa magazine, has confirmed that the company is conducting pilot tests with Eswatini Railways to increase train lengths on their joint corridor project. The initiative aims to grow capacity by running longer trains and improving operational efficiency.
Baatjies also outlined plans to increase chrome and magnetite exports to Mozambique, alongside discussions with Botswana Railways on boosting coal exports via the Mmamabula–Lephalale Railway Line.
Longer Trains to Double Capacity
TFR is piloting an increase in train lengths from the current 80-wagon configuration to 160-wagon trains on the Eswatini corridor. A full test run with 160 wagons was completed in May, with technical issues resolved. The implementation of longer trains is expected soon, effectively allowing two trains’ worth of cargo to move in a single slot, thereby doubling capacity and improving efficiency.
The collaboration also covers the entire value chain, including offloading and terminal handling facilities, to ensure smooth throughput.
Regional Partnerships and Corridor Development
Beyond Eswatini, TFR is working with CFM in Mozambique to expand chrome and magnetite volumes and is planning to boost throughput via Richards Bay using the Eswatini corridor and the coal line.
Discussions are also underway with TransNamib on reviving Namibia’s railway link with South Africa, and with Botswana Railways to grow fleet capacity and improve network interoperability.
Infrastructure development is being prioritised under the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) framework. TFR is expected to remain involved in operations even as open access enables additional operators to enter the market.
Coal, Locomotives and Capacity Expansion
Coal remains a central growth driver for TFR. The company transported 160 million tonnes last year ( total volume – not just coal) and is targeting up to 300 million tonnes annually in the long term. TRIM projects that by 2026/27, new operators could add 20 million tonnes to the network.
To support growth, TFR is building and refurbishing locomotives through Transnet Engineering and partners, including Alstom and Wabtec:
- 23 new locomotives are being built in Durban, with 47 already delivered.
- A total of 90 locomotives are planned for deployment on the coal line.
- Alstom is repairing 48 CRRC locomotives, while 58 diesel locomotives are being returned to service.
TFR is also assessing wagon availability to support coal exports and supply Eskom’s Majuba power station. Payload increases on manganese trains and incremental lengthening of chrome and magnetite trains are also planned.
New Business Model
TFR has shifted from corridor-based operations to commodity-focused business units covering coal, iron ore, steel, cement, minerals, containers, agriculture, bulk liquids, and manganese. This moves away from a monopoly model and aims to create a competitive environment and improve service delivery for customers.
If you missed the Coffee with the Editor Interview, go here:
https://youtu.be/_b0qWeOjpEQ