NATIONAL NEWS - The long-term Ore Line Restoration Programme, led by Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM), runs until 2030 and aims to address maintenance backlogs on one of South Africa’s key mineral export routes.
The corridor connects Sishen in the Northern Cape with the Port of Saldanha in the Western Cape, supporting iron ore exports and employment across the mining, freight and logistics sectors.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy visited the line on Monday, 12 October, during the annual maintenance shutdown, which runs from 6 to 16 October.
Major maintenance work under way
The shutdown allows teams to carry out intensive maintenance that would be difficult to complete while normal rail operations continue.
Work includes replacing rails and sleepers, screening ballast, maintaining and replacing turnouts, rehabilitating track formations and installing culverts. Electrical and signalling systems are also undergoing maintenance.
The restoration programme is intended to improve the safety, reliability and efficiency of the corridor, enabling mines to transport commodities more consistently and exporters to reach international markets.
Billions allocated to rail and locomotive maintenance
A total of R3.4 billion has been allocated through the Budget Facility for Infrastructure over the current and next financial years to support the programme.
TRIM is expected to invest about R2.2 billion in restorative maintenance on the Ore Corridor during the current financial year, including R1.5 billion from the infrastructure facility.
Transnet has also allocated R1.47 billion for maintenance of rolling stock used on the line. This includes R752.3 million for wagons and R721.9 million for locomotives. Similar amounts are planned for the next financial year.
The maintenance work includes locomotive overhaul programmes aimed at addressing backlogs and improving fleet availability, reliability and operational stability.
Saldanha port upgrades support export growth
Rail improvements are being accompanied by infrastructure upgrades at the Port of Saldanha.
The Transnet National Ports Authority is commissioning a Bulk Power Upgrade Project valued at about R750 million. The project will increase the port’s power supply, allowing Transnet Port Terminals to operate its third tippler and support higher export volumes.
The rail and port upgrades are intended to improve the performance of the export corridor as an integrated freight route.
More than 1 300 temporary job opportunities
The October maintenance shutdown has created approximately 1 300 fixed-term contract opportunities, with more than 600 additional indirect opportunities expected through related economic activity, according to Creecy.
The programme also offers potential work for small, medium and micro enterprises providing civil works, track services, logistics, transport, plant and equipment support, materials, accommodation and other services.
Larger contractors can create further opportunities through local procurement and subcontracting.
Rail reform depends on reliable infrastructure
The restoration programme forms part of broader changes to South Africa’s freight rail system, including plans to open the network to private train operating companies while keeping rail infrastructure in state ownership.
TRIM was established to manage and maintain the national rail network and provide access to train operators. The Network Statement sets out the framework for companies seeking to operate on the network.
However, expanding private participation will depend partly on the condition and reliability of the infrastructure. Improved track conditions and more predictable operations are important for companies investing in locomotives, wagons and staff.
The Sishen-Saldanha corridor remains a key route for South Africa’s iron ore exports, making its restoration significant for the mining industry, port operations and the wider freight logistics sector.
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