More than 9 000 kilometres of South Africa’s railway branch lines could soon be humming with new life. Transnet is inviting private sector partners to help refurbish, finance, operate and maintain the country’s B-Network of low-density lines, in a landmark step towards opening the rail network to greater private participation.
Through the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM), government has published a Request for Information inviting interested parties to submit proposals for partnership opportunities on the branch lines, which cover approximately 9 098 kilometres, SAnews reported.
“The introduction of Private Sector Participation opportunities on the B-Network is a critical step in reforming South Africa’s freight logistics system,” TRIM Chief Executive Moshe Motlohi said on Wednesday.
Feeder lines with big potential
Most B-Network branch lines connect to the core rail network, moving cargo for export, consumption or destination packaging. Encouragingly, some lines have already attracted interest for passenger and tourism services, opening the door to scenic rail journeys alongside freight revival.
Information gathered through the RFI will help TRIM design one or more procurement programmes aimed at improving performance, increasing throughput and harnessing private sector capital, skills and expertise, in line with the White Paper on National Rail Policy and the Economic Regulation of Transport Act.
Building on open-access momentum
The move builds on real, recent progress. TRIM recently concluded Rail Access Agreements with 11 new Train Operating Companies, which have been allocated slots for selected train paths on the core network following the publication of Network Statement Version 3 in 2024.
“This milestone marked the beginning of open access in South Africa’s rail sector. The latest RFI builds on this momentum by extending opportunities to the B-Network, ensuring that feeder and branch lines also benefit from innovation and investment opportunities,” TRIM said.
For farming towns, mining communities and tourism routes along thousands of kilometres of underused track, private investment could mean more goods moving by rail, less pressure on the roads and new economic activity where the trains come back.
TRIM, which is responsible for the management, maintenance and development of South Africa’s rail infrastructure network, says the market’s input will directly shape procurement programmes that are responsive to industry demand and aligned with national policy objectives.
Interested parties can access the RFI documents on the National Treasury’s e-Tender Publication Portal at www.etenders.gov.za and on the Transnet website. Responses must be submitted electronically by 10am on 30 September 2026.
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
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