Rail network
The rail network has suffered from many years of underinvestment, lack of maintenance, criminal activity and inefficiency. To address this, last year, government adopted the National Rail Policy to guide the modernisation and reform of the rail sector, providing, among other things, for third-party access to the rail network.
Government is working across government to develop a Transnet Roadmap that will translate its policy commitments into reality, including the restructuring of Transnet Freight Rail to create a separate Infrastructure Manager for the rail network by October 2023.
Transnet and private sector companies will conclude partnerships at the Durban and Ngqura container terminals, to enable new investment in the ports and improve their efficiency.
This will help the ports regain their global position as some of the most efficient ports once again. There has been great success in repositioning the Port Elizabeth Automotive Terminal, which has more than doubled its capacity and has already seen an increase in exports.
Many more vehicles destined for overseas markets are rolling off the Port Elizabeth Automotive Terminal. Transnet is also rehabilitating its idle locomotives and expanding its fleet. South Africa has faced challenges in the transportation of commuters on passenger rail.
Following the restructuring that is underway in the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, 13 commuter rail lines have been reopened, significantly reducing the cost of travel for many workers.
Related links
Source: State of the Nation Address Highlights [PDF]
