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EDITOR’S COMMENT RAILWAYS AFRICA 6:2016
This being the last issue of 2016, I would like to take the opportunity to thank our readers,
advertisers and contributors for the continued support received during the course
of the year. It cannot be denied that it has been a tough year, however, investment in
the continent’s infrastructure continues to dominate development discussions across
platforms, promising to keep Africa’s continued prosperity on track, in a difficult global
economic cycle.
In this issue, our cover article talks to successfully delivering on infrastructure projects,
on time and within budget, through the use of intelligent project management software
solutions. Built on global best practises and offered by ARES, a leading project
management company. If you are interested in a hands-on introduction to the world-
class suite of software and services offered by ARES, please feel free to contact me, as
Railways Africa™ has negotiated a special introductory offer.
It is pleasing to see that even in these tough economic times, orders for rolling stock are
coming through, which is testament to the UNIFE World Rail Market Study’s findings of
a 3% projected growth rate over the short to medium term on the continent. Original
Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) can expect an increase in orders from the African
continent in the 2017/18 FY, placing Africa as a key driver for the rail industry on a
global scale.
A few weeks ago, world leaders gathered in Marrakesh, Morocco, for the first global
climate change conference (COP22) to be held on the African continent. The need for
a shift to more sustainable transport modalities featured highly on the global COP22
agenda, and the potential of rail to contribute to the reduction in carbon emissions
emanating from the transport sector was recognised by all stakeholders. In addition,
READER SURVEY the digitisation of the rail industry continues to drive advancements in rail services,
operations and maintenance, a trend that we expect will continue at increasing speeds
in years to come. As the authoritative railway publication in Africa, we pride ourselves
on aligning our publication with cutting-edge trends and industry objectives, both on
the continent and internationally. With this in mind, the team at Railways Africa™ have
highlighted a move towards more sustainable, digital operations for the 2017/18-year. As
our readers remain the most important stakeholders in our publication, we would like to
ask you to complete a short questionnaire, which aims to identify the best way that we
can tailor our product offerings to your unique needs, with sustainability and digitisation
in mind. To participate, please go to our website, or scan the QR-Code to the left.
https://goo.gl/ZiWpcY
Safety on the continent’s railways remains a priority, and I would like to commend
the Railway Safety Regulator of South Africa (RSR) for their in-depth report back on
the state of railway safety in the country. We have provided a detailed analysis of the
2015/16 State of Railway Safety Report in this issue, and add our voice to the call for all
stakeholders to observe railway safety protocols, specifically the message to always stop
at level crossings “Look, Listen, Stay Alive”, especially at this time of year, when scores of
holiday makers take to the road for the holiday season.
The 2017-year looks to be an exciting one for the continent’s railway industry, as we
anticipate the roll out of multiple projects and programmes. The Gautrain Management
Agency (GMA) will be ordering new rolling stock for the Gautrain, and will be releasing
the results of the feasibility study on the ambitious extension plans for the project.
The first of PRASA’s X’Trapolis MEGA trains will be taking to the tracks in Mamelodi
for the initial trial runs of Gibela’s rolling stock for passenger services. The Dunnottar
train manufacturing plant will be coming on line, seeing Alstom rolling stock being
manufactured in the country for the first time. Kenya will be inaugurating their long
awaited standard gauge railway line, and Tanzania is expected to follow close behind.
We hope that you share our excitement, as we bring you all the news and business
intelligence emanating from the continent’s railways in 2017.
Railways Africa™ looks forward to seeing increased growth for those who participate in
the rail sector in 2017/18. As we close on this exhilarating, all be it challenging, year; we
wish each of you a fantastic festive season, filled with the rest and recuperation needed
to prepare for a sensational 2017.
Phillippa Dean
Railways Africa™ - Editor
2 www.railwaysafrica.com
RAILWAYS AFRICA 6:2016
RAILWAYS AFRICA
PUBLISHER
Rail Link Communications cc
EDITOR
In this issue
Phillippa Dean Enterprise Solutions To Keep Capital Projects On Track 06
Progress Rail Signs Contract with Tunisian Railways 13
DESIGN & LAYOUT
Craig Dean Alstom Committed to Sustainable Mobility 14
DCD Group – Forging Ahead In South Africa and Abroad 21
WEBSITE
Brent Fox Preventative Maintenance For Industrial Batteries 26
Craig Dean The State of Railway Safety In South Africa 28
Michael Lotriet
Company News 36
HEAD OF COPY Africa Update 40
Nicole Barnes
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FEATURE RAILWAYS AFRICA 6:2016
Enterprise Solutions To Keep

Capital Projects On Track
Investors in the African market are all too aware of the lack of infrastructure needed to fast
track the continent’s industrialisation and resultant economic emancipation. With billions in
capital spending going to transport infrastructure projects across the continent, one has to
ask the question: “Why is Africa still not realising its true potential?”
While it is tempting to rely on the argument that under-resourced economies will always
be at a disadvantage, the reality is that throwing money at the problem has consistently
yielded poor results. The solution to driving effective infrastructure development lies,
more than ever, in utilising the best available tools to ensure that money is spent wisely on
well-executed projects that will make the continent competitive on a global scale. Project
planners need to ensure that projects are researched thoroughly, planned efficiently and
managed from conceptualisation, feasibility study through to operationalisation with
financial viability and effective governance in mind. Herein lies the true solution to Africa’s
development challenge.
The Debate Is Over – Advisory Group on Sustainable electrification has expanded to cover
We Need Railways Transport: Mobilising Sustainable one-third of the global network,
Transport for Development, transport powering almost 45% of all rail
In a landmark meeting of the United
is responsible for 23% of global activity. Rail companies are choosing
Nations in 2015, world leaders
energy-related greenhouse gas to invest directly in renewable
from across the globe agreed
emissions and emissions from this energy, which now powers more
to the Agenda for Sustainable
sector are increasing faster than than 20% of electric powered trains.
Development, which outlines 17
from any other industrial quarter, on Recuperative braking, a state-of-
Development Goals aimed at ending
a global scale¹. The answer to this the-art process that returns energy
all forms of poverty, while protecting
challenge involves making transport to the grid when trains slow down,
the environment. At the heart of
planning, policy and investment is being implemented in some of
the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
decisions based on the potential for the world’s largest railway networks.
Development is the need to establish
social development and economic Many stakeholders in the railway
sustainable mobility solutions that
growth while mitigating the risk sector have well-developed research
will ensure the safe and efficient
of increased global warming and programmes that are dedicated
movement of goods and people
environmental degradation. to developing technologies to
to support economic growth, job
achieve further efficiencies such as
creation, poverty reduction, access
Railway transportation modalities, smart grids2.
to markets, and empowerment of
which offer safe, efficient, high-
vulnerable groups, while protecting
volume transportation for both It is, therefore, safe to assume
the environment.
people and goods over the short and that future transport solutions will
long haul, are critical in achieving increasingly feature railways – be
According to a recently published
a sustainable global transport it the short distance high-volume
report from the United Nations
matrix. Railway energy efficiency urban transit systems that are
Secretary-General's High-Level
has doubled since 1975, and emerging in megacities across the
6:2016 RAILWAYS AFRICA FEATURE
www.railwaysafrica.com 7
ARES PRISM is an
enterprise project
lifecycle management
software solution that
supports the planning,
execution and completion
of capital projects for
reliable forecasts, cost
control and performance
measurement. The suite
of software incorporates
modules that are tailor
made to manage every
aspect of capital projects,
including estimates, cost
management, engineering,
procurement, contracts,
field management,
dashboards and reporting.
world, or the extreme long-haul rail agencies, have increasingly been Alstom has entered into a
networks that promise to deliver supporting capital projects in consortium deal with South
passengers and goods across the transport sector across the African stakeholders to deliver
continents. The challenge, however, continent, with the understanding 600 passenger trains over
remains in managing the enormous that with efficient transportation the next 19 years in a project
costs associated with implementing infrastructure comes trade, growth valued at more than R1 billion. In
capital projects of this nature. and development. The majority of addition, Transnet Freight Rail
these funds are being channelled (TFR) is in the process of rolling
Building Railways For into the development of strategic out a mammoth recapitalisation
Africa– Can We Afford It? transport corridors, aimed at programme with a capital spend
linking areas with growth potential budget of approximately R333.6
Capital projects in the railway
in the mining, manufacturing and billion, which will see 1064 new
sector are notoriously expensive
agricultural sectors with port locomotives being manufactured
and difficult to manage, with some
facilities, to encourage both inter- by four international OEMs as
projects taking up to 30 years
regional and international trade. well as upgrades to Transnet’s
to progress from conception to
According to the AfDB’s Transport track infrastructure, ICT and
completion³. The greatest challenge
and ICT Infrastructure Department signalling systems.
experienced by government
Annual Report for 2015, the bank’s
agencies trying to build railway
transport project portfolio has While the AfDB highlights the fact
infrastructure is the tendency for
reached $US11 billion, providing that the continent has a seemingly
mega-infrastructure transport
financial support for 114 projects in insurmountable infrastructure
projects to run over budget.
44 countries across the continent. deficit, requiring an investment
of at least $US92 billion annually
According to a study conducted
In addition to financing from until 2020⁶ - it is important to
by Hartman and Ashrafi in 2014,
Official Development Assistance note the level of investment that is
more than 50% of capital projects
(ODA), many African countries filtering into railway infrastructure
exceed their budget costs by
including Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya, development projects from
between 40% and 200% - an
Uganda, and Tanzania, to name various streams on the continent.
extraordinary number when one
a few, are finding the financial According to a report published by
considers the cost involved in
support needed for capital projects the consulting firm Ernst & Young
building and maintaining railway
through Foreign Direct Investment (EY), at least half of the required
infrastructure. In another study,
(FDI). The Export-Import Bank amount is already being financed
conducted by German researchers
of China has extended billions to by African governments, multilateral
Flyvbjerg et al., data was collected
countries in both East and West and bilateral sources of finance
from 258 transport infrastructure
Africa for the construction of and ODA.
projects in 20 countries across a
railway infrastructure over the
variety of socio-economic strata.
past two decades. The result has The conclusion, therefore, is that
Analysis showed that rail projects
been the commissioning of both funding – so often cited as the
have an escalation rate of 44,7%
electric urban rapid transit systems main reason for the infrastructure
- the highest appreciation rates
and nation-wide Standard Gauge gap that costs Africa at least two
in comparison to road, air, and
Railway (SGR) networks, with the percentage points off GDP growth
maritime capital projects⁵. This is
requisite stations and rolling stock per year⁷- is not the primary reason
a particular struggle in developing
in Ethiopia, Kenya and Nigeria behind Africa’s failure to acquire
economies, where purse strings are
with lines in Uganda and Tanzania the infrastructure needed to drive
tight and fiscal planning needs to
expected in the near future. In economic activity. The greatest
be done with great care to support
addition, the European Union (EU) stumbling block is ineffective
growth while sustaining the needs
remains the leading financier in project management that results
of impoverished populations.
Africa, extending sums of up to in uncertain timeframes, unreliable
$US4 billion to African governments execution and poor financial
The implications for Africa are that
for development projects annually. control on capital projects,
while the continent undoubtedly
exacerbating rather than closing
needs railway infrastructure to
Finally, the private sector is the infrastructure gap on the
mobilise economic development
increasingly coming to play a continent⁸.
– be it through the export of
fundamental role in providing the
commodities or the mobilisation
capital needed for infrastructure With the advent of the fourth
of the workforce – projects often
development through Public- industrial revolution, solutions
end with feasibility studies filed
Private-Partnership (PPP) deals. designed to streamline project
away in government department
France’s Bolloré Group continues to management are available and are
archives awaiting funding, while
invest in their railway concessions in driving effective project execution
the economic opportunities
Africa, including Sitarail in the Ivory across a multitude of sectors,
that could be realised, but for
Coast and Burkina Faso, Benirail in throughout the world. To realise
efficient logistics, are shelved by
Benin and Camrail in the Cameroon. the true benefit of the current
major investors.
The company is in the process of investment in railways across Africa,
building a railway loop linking all of available capital funds need to be
Beyond Financing the major territories across West managed effectively, ensuring that
As An Obstacle Africa at an estimated cost of costs are contained; projects run on
Over the past decade, the African €2 billion. In South Africa, the schedule and are operationalised
Development Bank (AfDB), among French multinational Original to offer a maximum return on
other international development Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) investment.
ARES PRISM – A Solution Designed to Keep Projects on Track

ARES PRISM is an enterprise project lifecycle
management software solution that supports the ARES PRISM creates one central system that provides
planning, execution and completion of capital projects portfolio management, programme management,
for reliable forecasts, cost control and performance project management, maintenance work and initiatives
measurement. The suite of software incorporates in a single solution. The product delivers standardised
modules that are tailor made to manage every aspect of project performance measurement techniques that allow
capital projects, including estimates, cost management, for greater project visibility. In addition, the software
engineering, procurement, contracts, field management, suite enables expenditure to be tracked and forecasts to
dashboards and reporting. be generated without having to integrate multiple lines
of evidence from outdated spreadsheets. The software is
Capital projects in the rail industry are particularly designed to be highly scalable, maintaining exceptional
cumbersome, often comprising compound sub- levels of performance when users increase and project
projects and initiatives, multiple stakeholders and data load escalates. As a turnkey solution, PRISM can
contractors, and take considerable time to reach be implemented almost immediately, once client data is
completion. Having a single tool to analyse all aspects ready, and remains in operation for the entire lifecycle of
of the project provides project managers with a single the project.
source of information covering every aspect of project
performance. This enables better planning, decision- ARES PRISM is the only product on the market that
making and change management, to ensure tighter cost offers this level of integration, flexibility and ease of use
control and on-time delivery. for the whole lifecycle of projects.
ARES PRISM In Action: Change Management On In addition to the company’s involvement with project
London’s Largest Ever Railway Engineering Project execution on Crossrail, ARES is also involved in the UK’s
planned High Speed Two (HS2) railway project, which
Crossrail is a 118km, high frequency, high capacity railway
will link London, Birmingham, the East Midlands, Leeds,
network, currently under construction in London. The
Sheffield and Manchester. The UK government is funding
project, initiated in May 2009, promises to transform
the project through the establishment of High Speed
rail transport in London and the UK’s South East. The
Two (HS2) Ltd, and promises to increase capacity and
project intends to increase central London rail capacity
connectivity between UK’s commercial hubs for both
by 10%, support economic regeneration in surrounding
passenger and freight with a high-speed rail network.
communities and cut journey times across the city. There
Work on the first phase is scheduled to begin in 2017
are currently approximately 10,000 people employed
and will reach Birmingham in 2026, Crewe by 2027 and
by Crossrail, working across more than 40 construction
is expected to reach completion by 2033.
sites to deliver what is the largest infrastructure
development project in the European region. The first
HS2 Ltd has selected ARES PRISM to provide the
Crossrail services through central London are scheduled
software solution needed for efficient project estimating
to start in late 2018, and current estimates predict that at
and cost management – a crucial aspect in a venture
least 200 million passengers will use Crossrail annually.
that could cost UK taxpayers more than £56 billion10.
ARES PRISM will reduce the project’s dependence on
The scope of the Crossrail project is difficult to
manual data capturing processes, providing project
comprehend, requiring collaboration between multiple
managers and planners with consistent, efficient and
management teams, engineers, administrators, financial
measurable data at all phases of planning and execution.
officers, work teams, and a multitude of suppliers
The software suite allows for collaboration between
and contractors. Due to the complex nature of the
key stakeholders on the project, without jeopardising
work, Crossrail has needed to manage the approval
control or sensitivity of the project information. HS2
of up to 1,000 project changes per period. With the
is on par with many of the largest and most advanced
project management team dispersed across various
railway initiatives in the world, and ARES PRISM is ideally
project sites, obtaining approval for a budget request
suited to guarantee effective, efficient, and accurate data
or contract by manually requesting signatures on a
management on multiple aspects of a project of this size.
paper-based request form resulted in poor project
management and significant delays – which invariably
results in an escalation of project costs. It quickly ARES PRISM - Enabling Rail
became evident that Crossrail required a streamlined Projects In The United States
and efficient change management approval process, The Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project – also known as
as well as accurate reporting and automated change the Silver Line - is a new 37km extension of the current
management processes so that managers could make Metrorail system that serves Washington DC and parts
informed and immediate decisions throughout the of Maryland and Virginia, US. The project will add 11
project implementation. stations to the line and includes the construction of a
new rail yard on Dulles Airport property⁹. The extension
In response to this challenge, the Crossrail team chose is expected to serve approximately 85,700 passengers
PRISM as an integrated project lifecycle management per day by 2030.
solution, which provides both change management and
standard reports. Due to PRISM’s ability to integrate The project is being constructed in two phases
with other applications, Crossrail utilised the software to by Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. Phase 1, which
create a centralised information portal that houses their started operations in July 2014, runs 19.3km from
cost management, change management, trending, and East Falls Church to Wiehle Avenue in Reston, and
forecast data. PRISM’s change management features, cost approximately $US2.9 billion to implement. On
with automated change management workflow, enabled completion, Phase 2 will stretch 17.7km, from Wiehle
Crossrail to overcome the manual process of change Avenue to Loudoun County in the east, adding six
control, improved data accuracy, and reduced rework stations and providing Dulles Airport with a much
and errors. Project changes are now automatically required air-rail link.
submitted, tracked, and approved electronically
and remotely. Under the terms of the contract, Jacobs is required
to provide a variety of services in rail engineering,
After implementing PRISM, Crossrail has realised planning, operations support, procurement, programme
several business benefits. All project changes are being and project management, construction management,
entered and tracked in PRISM, providing a reliable audit alternative project delivery, value engineering, and cost
trail, which enables the team to review the project estimating. To streamline the enormity of this task,
change history. PRISM’s time phasing, trending, and Jacobs turned to ARES PRISM to provide a software
reporting capabilities are eliminating the need for solution to enable cost and schedule integration,
manual adjustments and have prevented time wastage out-of-the-box reporting, earned value management
on multiple reports. The Crossrail team are able to and analysis.
generate executive reports within five days of month
end, increasing visibility on project execution. The Setting Projects Up For Success
implementation of PRISM to direct change management Across Industries And Markets
has significantly streamlined operations on the project
and, as a result, Crossrail plans to implement the The ARES PRISM solution has been implemented
system in other departments, such as procurement and by a number of global market leaders in North
engineering, in the future. and South America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East,
Australia and Africa. The company has implemented
solutions in more than 30 countries, with more
than 10,000 users, spanning every industrial sector, and important data being inadvertently obscured from
including the engineering and construction industry, key decision makers compromising project execution.
infrastructure and transport sectors, mining, energy, In response to this challenge, Laing O’Rourke chose
utilities and technology sectors as well as for several ARES PRISM to integrate their labour costs, schedules,
government entities. and field information as well as to automate change
management and improve project visibility.
The Asian-based State Nuclear Power Engineering
Company (SNPEC) is responsible for managing some of In Africa, ARES PRISM solutions have the potential
the continent’s largest nuclear power projects, including to answer some of the continent’s most immediate
providing state-of-the-art pressurised water reactors for challenges in the energy sector. South Africa’s power
the Sanmen and Haiyang Nuclear Power Plants in China. utilities company ESKOM, which is responsible for
This nuclear power project is of critical importance to powering one of Africa’s largest economies, continues
the Chinese economy and, as such, SNPEC identified the to use ARES project management solutions, including
need to implement rigorous project controls to ensure PRISM, to great effect, proving the applicability of the
cost effective, efficient project execution at inception. software solution for the African market.
The company needed to accurately evaluate current
project cost performance and forecast estimates at Getting African Railway Projects On Track
completion. It was also imperative that SNPEC obtained At no point in history has Africa been better positioned
accurate budget execution variances so that they could to claim a position of power in the global community.
implement corrective actions to ensure on-time project Africa is fast becoming the most attractive destination
execution, within budget. for foreign direct investment and remains the richest
continent in terms of untapped commodities in the world.
In response to this challenge, SNPEC chose ARES With climate change firmly on the global agenda, Africa
PRISM to manage their project controls. PRISM has has the potential to develop its industry using cutting
allowed SNPEC to align the project budget and edge, low carbon energy sources at initiation, rather than
schedule to deliver dependable forecasts and accurate having to undergo the transformation incumbent on
out-of-the-box reports. Project managers are able to many developed countries. Funding for African projects
gain an accurate overview of project performance, is available, and investors are beating at the door for
ensuring timeous decision-making and seamless development opportunities in infrastructure, mining, oil,
project execution. As a result of the benefits that PRISM gas, clean energy and agriculture, to name a few.
has brought to the company’s project management
processes, SNPEC is planning to integrate PRISM with The deciding factor for African economies is no longer
their other performance management systems. access to resources, but rather the efficient utilisation
of the resources that are increasingly becoming
In Australia, the privately owned engineering enterprise available to governments and the private sector on
Laing O’Rourke decided to pursue opportunities in the continent. The on-boarding of efficient, cost
the oil and gas industry, creating a new focus for the effective, highly adaptable solutions, such as those
internationally recognised heavy engineering contractor. offered by ARES PRISM, are proving to be vital for
In taking their operation to the next level, management capital projects throughout the world. For the first time,
identified the need to improve business operations so as African developers no longer have to look to outside
to maximise efficiency and performance management, agencies for the tools needed to solve the continent’s
particularly in dealing with their ever-growing labour development challenges. One can only imagine the
force. Due to the company’s reliance on complex gains that will be made in African capital projects
spreadsheet data to manage projects, Laing O’Rourke when the potential of effective through-the-line project
was experiencing negative effects emanating from management is realised.
inaccurate labour forecasts, lack of change management,
www.aresprism.com | prisminfo@aresprism.com | +1 925-322-8899
1. Benoit, L and Enriquz, A (2014) Transport Sector Key to Closing the World’s Emissions Gap, http://www.wri.org/blog/2014/09/transport-sector-
key-closing-world%E2%80%99s-emissions-gap Accessed 08 November 2016
2. European Union Research Project Merlin (2015) Energy Management for Railway Systems www.merlin-rail.eu accessed 08 November 2016
3,4. Meltem Sözü er and Konrad Spang “The Importance of Project Management in the Planning Process of Transport Infrastructure Projects in
Germany”, Procedia – Social and Behavioural Science; March 2014
5. Flyvbjerg, Bent, Mette K. Skamris Holm, and Søren L. Buhl. “What Causes Cost Overrun In Transport Infrastructure Projects?" Transport reviews
24.1 (2004): 3-18.
6. Africa Development Bank: Infrastructure Deficit and Opportunities in Africa", Economic Brief, Vol1, September 2010 http://www.afdb.org/
fileadmin/uploads/afdb/Documents/Publications/ECON%20Brief_Infrastructure%20Deficit%20and%20Opportunities%20in%20Africa_Vol%201%20
Issue%202.pdf Accessed 08 November 2016
7,8. Ernst & Young: Bridging The Gap: Ensuring Execution Of Large Infrastructure Projects In Africa - http://www.ey.com/Publication/vwLUAssets/
EY-Bridging-the-Gap/$FILE/EY-Bridging-the-Gap.pdf Accessed 08 November 2016
9. U.S Department of Transport: Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project, https://www.transportation.gov/tifia/financed-projects/dulles-corridor-metrorail-
project - accessed 15 November 2016
10. UK Economic Affairs Committee The Economics of High Speed 2: Chapter 2 the cost of HS2 http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201415/
ldselect/ldeconaf/134/13406.htm - Accessed 15 November 2016
6:2016 RAILWAYS AFRICA NEW CONTRACT
Progress Rail Signs

Contract With
Tunisian Railways For
20 EMD Locomotives
As part of an effort to improve infrastructure in North Africa and the Middle East, Progress Rail, a
Caterpillar company, announced on 8 December that it has been selected by the Tunisian Railway
Company (SNCFT) to supply 20 EMD GT42AC locomotives. These locomotives will primarily
serve in hauling phosphates and will be designed for the area’s hot, dry climate and rough terrain,
including sandy conditions.
“For the past 10 years, we have delivered nearly all of the high horsepower, diesel locomotives
in North Africa and the Middle East – and we have accomplished this by listening closely to our
customers’ feedback on their regional requirements,” said Progress Rail’s chief executive officer and
vice president of Caterpillar’s Rail Division, Billy Ainsworth. “After a highly competitive process, we
were extremely pleased to be selected as the supplier of choice for our GT42AC model, based on
reliability, fuel economy, advanced technologies and digital capabilities. These units will upgrade a
previously ageing railway fleet, by transforming it into a powerful, modern fleet for today.”
Chairman and chief executive officer of SNCFT, Sabiha Derbal, and

Progress Rail’s regional director of international sales for North
Africa and Middle East, Ramzi Imad, signed the contract, amongst
other dignitaries, including the Tunisian minister of transport,
Anis Ghedira; the secretary of state for transport, Hichem Ben
Ahmed; the U.S. ambassador to Tunisia, Daniel H. Rubinstein; and
other senior Tunisian and SNCFT officials.
The agreement is part of the country’s initiative to rejuvenate its railway fleet, thereby aiding in the
transportation of phosphates. The first ten locomotives will be delivered to SNCFT in September
2018, with the remaining units delivered in November 2018. The units will be manufactured at
Progress Rail’s Muncie facility in Indiana, USA.
Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company has a long standing history, spanning more than 60 years, with
customers in North Africa and the Middle East region, and supports the largest installed base of
locomotives in these regions. The company remains committed to continuous in-country support.
Alstom Committed
to Sustainable Mobility
Source: Stern Review, auf Basisdaten von World Resources,

Institute Climate Analysis Indicators Tool (CAIT)
on-line database version 3.0
Demographic projections show that centres and the mitigation of allow the rail sector to offer further
the global population is expected climate change. environmental benefits.
to reach 9.7 billion people by 2050,
with 70% living in urban areas, Rail As The Cleanest Power- As reported in the survey led
resulting in an ever-increasing Transportation Mode by Alstom and Carbone 4, the
demand for mobility solutions within tram remains one of the greenest
Recent data shows that CO²
and between our cities. Annual urban transport modes. The study,
emissions continue to rise as a
global urban transport emissions are published in November, compares
result of the increased demand for
expected to double to nearly 1 billion the carbon footprint of trams and
mobility. In Europe, for example, the
tonnes of CO² equivalent by 2025. bus rapid transit systems (BRT),
transport sector is now the second
To reach the +2°C climate change enabling a better understanding
biggest producer of emissions after
target adopted in Paris in December of their comparative performance
energy supply. Carbon dioxide
2015 at COP21, it is essential that city over the whole lifecycle, including
emissions from road transportation
planners invest in transport modes construction, operation and
rose again in 2014, after a six-year
with the lowest carbon footprints. maintenance. The analysis,
drop. Despite improvements in
completed on a typical 10km line
efficiency and carbon intensity, CO²
Railway transport is a key operated in Belgium, demonstrates
emissions increased by 13% between
contributor in the fight to reduce that a tramway system emits about
1990 and 2014.
greenhouse gases (GHG), an half the CO² in comparison to a BRT
argument that the International system operated with diesel buses,
When looking at energy
Union of Railways (UIC), along with and about 30% less than a BRT with
consumption across all transport
their strategic partners, took to hybrid buses, over a 30-year lifetime
modalities, rail accounts for only
the United Nations Conference on with similar transport capacity.
2.1% of the sector’s total annual fuel
Climate Change (COP22), held in
use. In addition, rail is responsible
Marrakesh, in November. In Morocco, the host nation of
for only 3.6% of CO² emissions
COP22, Alstom’s Citadis trams have
emanating from the transport sector,
In a recent survey conducted been adopted by both Casablanca
while carrying 8% of the world’s
by Alstom in partnership with and Rabat. In Rabat, up to 120,000
passengers and freight¹. Based on
Carbone 4, a consulting company people travel aboard the city’s trams
this evidence, rail emerges as one of
specialising in climate-resilient and every day - a great success that has
the most energy-efficient transport
low-carbon strategies, the tram has resulted in city officials deciding to
modes, reflecting the efficiency
proven to be one of the greenest extend the network. Studies have
of mass transport. The advances
urban transport modes, providing shown that two tramway lines should
being made in developing clean
further evidence of the critical role lead to a CO² emission reduction of
and renewable energy sources, such
that rail-based transport solutions about 30,000 tonnes per year.
as efficient electric traction, will
have to play in the future of urban
Rising Concerns For Poor for NS, the leading Netherlands and more efficient than those of
Air Quality In Cities railway operator. Alstom has also previous generations, using less
been working on the integration energy and offering more space for
Particles from diesel exhaust fumes,
of capillary pump loops (CPL)³ passengers inside the train. Avelia
as well as other air emissions
within traction systems that can Liberty is environmentally friendly
from road transport, contribute
be installed on every type of train and designed to maximise return
significantly to poor air quality in
to replace traditional cooling on investment. The aerodynamic
the major cities across the world.
systems such as ventilators, pumps design and low weight of the
Based on the latest data released
and radiators. Following the trainset allows the train to consume
by the World Health Organisation
improvement of the traction chain 20% less energy compared to non-
(WHO), more than 92% of people
components that require less cooling articulated solutions.
living in urban areas, where air
capacities, various natural cooling
pollution is monitored, are living
technologies are being developed
in conditions where the WHO air
and tested, notably for metro
quality guidelines levels are not
applications. These technologies
met². Prioritising rail transport would
offer clients a solution that operates
significantly reduce the contribution
silently, does not consume energy,
of the transport sector to air
and requires minimal maintenance.
pollution in cities.
Sustainability In Infrastructure
Alstom Innovates For
Cleaner Transportation In 2015, Alstom launched SRS – an
innovative ground-based static Alstom Avelia Liberty high-speed
Alstom believes that transport charging system – as part of its trains for Amtrak, which will run on
systems should be fluid, eco-friendly, catenary-free range. This solution the Northeast Corridor (NEC) between
safe, connected and accessible and allows for rapid charging of an Boston and Washington D.C.
the company is constantly working extensive portfolio of vehicles
on enhancing rail’s reputation as the equipped with onboard energy Alstom has developed the Prima
greenest public transport mode. In storage during normal dwell time. shunting locomotives H3 and H4
recent years, Alstom has enabled a Charging can be achieved in less for services in rail yards, harbours
reduction in energy consumption than 20 seconds, using a compact and industrial sites. The shunters
of up to 20% on a broad range of and discreet device located in the can also be used for hinterland
its solutions, including components, ground. SRS can be adapted to trams traffic or medium main line services
technologies and infrastructure, as well as a broad range of electrical thanks to their high speeds, strong
trains and services, as well as on its buses. The technology has been traction effort and high autonomy.
fully integrated mobility solutions. adopted by the city of Nice in France As a result of its hybrid traction, the
for its new tramway lines 2 and 3. Prima H3 uses 50-60% less fuel than
Alstom is always seeking to upgrade conventional shunting locomotives,
its components based on the latest Another innovation developed by reducing polluting emissions such
available technologies. Some of its Alstom for its infrastructure portfolio as particles, CO² and mono-nitrogen
most recent innovations include is Hesop, an advanced reversible oxides (N0x) by up to 70%. The
permanent magnet motors (PMM), power supply substation. Designed Prima H4 Double Engine’s power
which contribute to savings in to deliver the best energy efficiency, packs are coupled with a start-and-
train mass as they are lighter than Hesop also reduces infrastructure stop system, which reduces energy
asynchronous motors, improving investment, limits CO² emissions consumption by 20% compared with
efficiency by 3%. and reduces temperatures inside single engine diesel locomotives.
the metro network. Hesop has In addition, the Prima H4 Bi-mode
The company has introduced been in revenue service on London version is able to operate entirely
new auxiliary converters, which Underground’s Victoria Line since emission free. Twenty-three Prima
enable entirely natural cooling and 2015, and will soon be implemented H3 locomotives have been sold
leverages the technical performance on the Milan tramway and metro, the in Germany, with 13 already in
of silicon carbide semiconductors, Riyadh metro, the Sydney tramway operation, and 47 Prima H4 units will
allowing for a reduction in and the Panama metro. be delivered to SBB Infrastructure
conduction and switching losses. in Switzerland.
Natural cooling removes the need
Alstom Trains - Innovation
for bulky and less reliable cooling
systems such as pumps and For Sustainability
ventilators, reduces maintenance The energy consumption of the
costs and energy consumption, Avelia high-speed train for AGV,
while simultaneously increasing Euroduplex and Liberty trains
passenger comfort thanks to their is 15-30% lower than previous
silent operation. generations. Avelia Liberty, Alstom’s
latest development in the Avelia
Optimised HVAC systems are being range, has recently been sold
implemented through the use of to Amtrak, the national railroad
CO² sensors as well as heat pumps. passenger corporation in the US.
Optimised HVAC management The train features the most recent
has been integrated into the latest generation of compact power
Alstom has been awarded a €175 million
version of the Coradia regional cars located at each end of the contract to supply 47 dual-mode locomotives
train, such as the Intercity trains train. The power cars are shorter to SBB Infrastructure, Switzerland.
In September 2016, Alstom unveiled of energy during the braking phase, Systems – Whole Package
its zero-emission train Coradia thereby improving energy efficiency. Solutions By Alstom
iLint, a regional train powered by a The Citadis X05 tram has been
Alstom has been designing
hydrogen fuel cell. The train’s only sold to Nice, France and Sydney,
integrated mobility solutions for
emissions are steam and condensed Australia.
decades. With 18 integrated metro
water while operating at low noise
projects and 17 integrated tramway
levels. Alstom is one of the first
systems under its belt, Alstom is
railway manufacturers in the world
the world leader in the supply of
to develop a passenger train based
integrated urban mobility solutions.
on this technology.
Recently, the Riyadh metro in the
Alstom offers a complete package
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) was
for customers, consisting of the
Citadis X05 of Nice, France. awarded to Alstom. The company,
train and its maintenance, as well as
in collaboration with its consortium
the entire hydrogen infrastructure.
partners, will be supplying the
This launch follows letters of intent Globally, constant efforts are being
city of Riyadh with three out of
signed in 2014 with the German made to improve recyclability at
the six metro lines currently under
Federal States of Lower Saxony, end-of-life on all of Alstom’s trains.
construction in the city. As a part of
North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden- Progress made in this area has
Alstom’s deliverables, the company
Württemberg, and the Public enabled Alstom to design trains that
will be providing Metropolis trains,
Transportation Authorities of Hesse are up to 95% recyclable and 97%
the Urbalis signalling solution,
for the use of a new generation of recoverable - an improvement of 8%
and Hesop for these projects. The
emission-free trains equipped with and 4% respectively, over the past
company will be constructing
fuel cell drive. ten years. Furthermore, Alstom is
the track using Appitrack, a
continually reducing the weight of
technology that enables track to
Despite its wide gauge, the its trains, as well as their resistance
be installed three times faster than
Metropolis train for Amsterdam is to motion, thereby improving the
more traditional methods. The
low weight (12 tonnes per axle) as energy efficiency of public transport
traction power system, equipped
a result of its aluminium body and in cities across the world.
with Hesop, will allow energy
redesigned components. The train
recovered during braking to be
is equipped with electric braking Services To re-used by the network, optimising
until the train comes to a complete Optimise Sustainability energy consumption.
stop, which enables full recovery
To support its customers through the
of the braking energy and reduced
improvement of the environmental
dust and noise emissions. Lighting
performance and the energy
systems on the train are 100% LED,
efficiency of existing fleets, Alstom
making it more energy efficient.
is able to modernise any train,
The Amsterdam metro is one of the
whether manufactured by Alstom
quietest train systems in the world,
or not, to upgrade its traction
with an 8dB interior noise level.
chain or high energy-consuming
equipment. In the US, for example,
According to Alstom’s simulations,
Alstom has been awarded a contract
the new generation tram Citadis
by the Port Authority Transit
X05 has demonstrated a 20% Riyadh Metro design.
Corporation (PATCO) to thoroughly
reduction in energy consumption in
modernise 120 metro cars that run Another example of a
comparison to previous generations.
from Philadelphia to the suburbs comprehensive system solution
This significant improvement in
of southern New Jersey, many being implemented by Alstom is
efficiency is the result of a global
of which have been in operation Sydney’s integrated tramway system
energy optimisation of the train,
since 1969. The work carried out in Australia. Alstom is in charge
including PMM motors and enhanced
by Alstom includes, among other of supplying Citadis X05 trams,
electrical braking, as well as
things: new couplers, car-borne power supply equipment including
optimised auxiliary management
propulsion technology and modern APS-ground power supply 8, depot
(HVAC system, sleeping mode and
braking systems, automated train and maintenance equipment, as
100% LED lighting). Energy storage,
control (ATC) equipment, air- well as the Hesop energy recovery
designed to allow catenaryless
conditioning systems, as well as new system. Energy consumption
operations, enables the full recovery
communication and information will be dramatically reduced as
displays. Once retrofitted, the energy a result of the implementation
consumption of the modernised train of PMM and Hesop. Reduction
is reduced by up to 25%. of the carbon footprint of civil
works is being addressed through
Alstom has developed an e-mapping the use of recycled materials,
tool to enable specific energy including aggregate concrete and a
diagnostic capacities and potential substitution of cement.
energy efficiency services, such as
eco-driving implementation, energy Transport for New South Wales
management system upgrades and (TfNSW) is investigating options
onboard energy storage. for the onsite production of low-
The new Amsterdam Metropolis at its entry carbon energy, including installing
into service on the M50 subway line.
photovoltaic cells and solar hot of energy consumption for trams, Collaboration With
water systems in the Sydney light metros, regional and main line trains. Customers And Suppliers
rail maintenance and vehicle stabling In the past year, Alstom has reduced
Alstom has established collaborative
facilities. This is the first time that the overall energy consumption of
programmes with clients in many
Alstom has been involved in a its portfolio by 7%.
countries, including France, Brazil,
project where a climate change
Ireland, Spain and South Africa to
resilience analysis was conducted, Innovating For Energy Efficiency name a few, to improve the energy
to demonstrate the strong In the pursuit of innovations that will efficiency of trains and railway
resistance capacity of its transport further reduce energy consumption, systems and build the sustainable
system when faced with extreme Alstom is implementing an intensive transport modes of tomorrow.
weather conditions. innovation programme comprising
four main areas: In a joint research programme
with the Irish Railway Procurement
• Fit-for-purpose design to Agency⁶, two Citadis trams in Dublin
make the best use of energy to have been equipped with smart
achieve requested performance meters to analyse main energy
levels. This includes: weight usages. Optimisation solutions are
reduction through composite being tested, such as light energy
materials and re-design of storage for the recovery of braking
parts, reduced aerodynamic energy and an enhanced HVAC
drag, energy-efficient comfort control system.
Alstom is supplying Citadis X05 trams for auxiliaries such as lighting,
the city’s metro system in Sydney, Australia.
heating and air conditioning, and Alstom and French railway operator
more efficient traction systems SNCF have formed an innovation
Another environmentally friendly in both electric or diesel trains. partnership to create the next
innovation developed by Alstom is • Energy production and recovery generation of the TGV high speed
the Attractis integrated tramway to minimise losses, maximise train, expected to enter into
system. Attractis brings together all re-use and further reduce commercial service in 2022. The
of Alstom's expertise, enabling cities the energy part of OPEX, for objectives for the new-generation
to develop cost-effective tramway example: enhanced 100% TGV include an optimisation of the
systems that are environmentally- electrical braking environmental footprint, with a
friendly, interoperable and easy to • Energy storage to increase material recyclability rate of over
interface with other urban public autonomy, shave peak demands 90% and a reduction in energy
transport. The Attractis system is and provide additional consumption of at least 25%. The
simpler to operate than previous recovery capabilities capacity of the train will be
generation tramways and offers a • Energy management systems to increased by 20%. The results of
large transport capacity, ranging optimise energy assets to lower this collaborative exploration will
from 4,000 to 14,000 PPHPD⁴. the total cost of ownership, for be implemented in Alstom’s Avelia
example, optimised sleep modes range of high speed trains.
Alstom: Meeting 2020 Targets during non-passenger service
For Energy Efficiency • Further progress will come from In March 2015, a non-profit business
In 2015, Alstom committed itself to the incorporation of proven membership organisation called
achieving a 20% reduction in the technologies into new mobility Railsponsible, was created to
energy consumption of its transport solutions, and the development promote sustainable procurement
solutions⁵ and a 10% decrease in the of new technologies, new trains across the industry supply chain.
energy intensity of its operations by and associated services. Currently, seven railway companies
2020. According to the company, are members of Railsponsible,
Alstom is well positioned to achieve including Alstom, the French
these goals. national railway operator SNCF,
and the Netherlands railway
Tracking Energy Performance
Alstom is the first manufacturer to
have set a key performance indicator
(KPI) and a defined target for the
energy performance of its trains and
systems solutions, which allows the
evolution of the energy efficiency of
its products to be tracked.
Alstom has established standardised

methodologies for energy
simulations based on sets of
assumptions defined for each type
of train, including mission profile,
occupancy, and temperature, to
ensure the consistency of collected
data. Thus far, priority has been Alstom’s vice president of sourcing, Olivier Baril, has served
given to rolling stock and simulations as the chair of Railsponsible since April 2016.
The Dunnottar facility on Johannesburg’s East Rand will be at the cutting edge of rail equipment production. From
the outset, it is designed to be environmentally efficient – in its use and recycling of water and power.
operator NS. All the companies Gibela, began the construction of development. Plant rescue and
signed a charter of responsibility, a new manufacturing site in South relocation was successfully executed
through which they engage in better Africa to build 580 suburban trains to conserve all protected plants
social, economic and environmental for the Passenger Rail Agency and the environmental design
outcomes and responsible business of South Africa (PRASA). The review conducted by Alstom’s
practices, including ethics, labour, 60,000m2 site, being built by Environmental Director achieved a
as well as health, safety and the local South African construction score of 87%.
environment. Railsponsible has companies Trencon and Black Jills,
created a forum for exchange, is expected to reach completion in In addition to delivering the rolling
discussion and engagement on 18 months. The Gibela Dunnottar stock necessary to establish modern,
the most ecologically and socially site will deliver 3,480 coaches over safe passenger rail services in
responsible procurement practices the next 10 years. The construction South Africa, where private car
within the railway industry. project is aligned with green building use and dependence on road-
principles and will strictly comply based freight transport is having a
Energy Intensity At Alstom’s with all applicable environmental devastating effect on air quality and
South African Facilities legislation. In line with Alstom’s congestion in the country’s urban
2020 Environment Health and centres, Gibela will act as a catalyst
After Alstom defined its priorities
Safety (EHS) vision, Gibela Rail for transformation by addressing
for environmental management in
is committed to developing and a myriad of socio-economic
2014, the energy intensity of the
implementing an environmental challenges. The project – with its
company’s operations have been
management system in line with strong emphasis on empowering
tracked, and Alstom has already
the ISO 14001 standard, once the local economy - will create jobs,
succeeded in reducing the energy
fully operational. develop skills and uplift the living
intensity of its operations by 2.3%
conditions of all those, directly and
in one year.
All necessary environmental indirectly, affected while ensuring
authorisations and licences have that the project remains as carbon-
In March 2016, Alstom, through its
been obtained for the site’s neutral as possible.
local South African joint venture
1. International Union of Railways (2015) Rail Transport and Environment Facts & Figures
2. World Health Organisation (2016) Fact sheet on Ambient Air Quality and Health, http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs313/en/
accessed 16 November 2016
3. Extremely high-performance calorie evacuation systems
4. PPHPD - Passengers per hour per direction
5. A train consumes between 9 and 50W/h/Km/passenger depending on the type of train and the operating conditions
6. Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) is an Irish government authority that is responsible for the development of railway infrastructure in
the country
The Railway Engineers
Choice for Depot Equipment!
12 Laser Park Square Tel: +27 11 794-2910
34 Zeiss Road Email: info@yalejhb.co.za
Laser Park Web: www.yalejhb.co.za
Honeydew
South Africa
PROFILE RAILWAYS AFRICA 6:2016
6:2016 RAILWAYS AFRICA PROFILE
DCD Group –
Forging Ahead
In South Africa
and Abroad
The DCD Group (Pty) Ltd, is a South African based
heavy engineering component manufacturer for the rail,
mining and energy, defence and marine sectors. The
company originally emerged in 2001, as DCD Dorbyl
(Pty) Ltd, following a management buy-out of the Heavy
Engineering division from the JSE-listed Dorbyl Ltd. In
2012, the company initiated with the restructuring of
eleven distinct business units, resulting in the business
being streamlined and rebranded as the DCD Group. The
companies are structured in four key clusters according
to their area of speciality - namely the Rail, Defence,
Mining and Engineering and Marine clusters.
Common across all business units are world-class

manufacturing facilities, an emphasis on engineering
expertise, innovative design, timely delivery and
excellent service. As a group, the companies are able to
offer comprehensive, integrated engineering solutions
tailored to individual customer requirements.
The DCD Group head office is based in Vereeniging,

South Africa and the company operates 11 facilities
situated in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal and
Namibia employing approximately 1,600 people. All
business units pride themselves on stringent business
practices geared towards sustainability, growth, and
local market support through skills development and
job creation.
DCD Rail - A Leader In The Railway

Manufacturing Industry
DCD Rail provides manufactured products to the rail
industry both locally and abroad and is made up of three
distinct companies, namely DCD Rolling Stock, DCD
Ringrollers and DCD Metpro.
Railways AfricaTM Magazine

Visits The Largest Supplier
Of Railway Tyres In Africa
DCD Ringrollers executive director
Dion Booyens and his team recently
hosted Railways AfricaTM on a site
tour of DCD Ringrollers’ press forge
facility, situated in Vereeniging, south
of Gauteng. The company tailors
for government and private railway
operators through original equipment
manufacturers (OEMs), or direct
aftermarket supply across the globe.
The company also produce forged
flanges and seamless rings for use in a
multitude of applications in the mining,
petrochemical, marine, civil and power
industries. DCD Ringrollers is one of
the largest forging companies in the
southern hemisphere and boasts the
most powerful and technologically
advanced press forge facility of its kind
on the continent.
In 2012, following an investment of

approximately R500 million, DCD
Ringrollers moved into their 14,140m²,
newly constructed manufacturing
facility in Vereeniging. The automated
and streamlined facilities quickly
earned the company international
recognition as a reliable leader in the
manufacture of high quality seamless
forged products. Booyens, however,
states that while the company is highly
flexible in their forging capabilities,
more than half of the company’s
products are manufactured for the
rail industry.
“While railways remain the core of our

business, we are looking at supplying
other markets and exploring new
product groups,” says Booyens. “We,
however, remain committed primarily
to the railway sector. We have many
international accreditations with
companies such as Deutsche Bahn
(DB) and Bombardier and we are in the
process of engaging with Alstom. We
also have longstanding relationships
with Transnet Freight Rail and PRASA,”
he concludes.
DCD Ringrollers’ production manager

Adriaan Botha showcased the facilities’
highly advanced production site,
explaining that the new facility is
equipped with the latest in automated
forging equipment, imported from
leading German and Italian suppliers.
The impressive plant houses three forge

presses, two ring mills, CNC vertical
borers, and heat treatment facilities for
austenising, normalising, tempering,
annealing and polymer quenching.
The largest forging press operates
Grinding of crankshafts with lengths of up to 4.7 metres and weights of up to 5 ton
Zero hour cylinder head remanufacturing
Lineboring, boring, milling, 3-axis machining and blue printing of blocks over 6 metres
Contact the most comprehensively equipped heavy diesel

engine component remanufacturer in Africa
marketing@metricauto.co.za
www.metricauto.co.za +27 (0) 11 873 2350
up to 3,500 tonnes pressure DCD Group Emerges As A

and is capable of both open Major Global Competitor
and semi-closed forging. The
Several of the businesses within
company’s two ring mills have
the DCD Group have been
component rolling ranges from
catering to the local South
200mm to 4,500mm outside
African market for decades,
diameter. Auxiliary equipment
and as such the group enjoys a
include automated hardness
reputation as a leading business
and ultrasonic testing machines,
partner to both government and
as well as a quenchometer
private sectors. DCD played an
that enables a wide-range of
integral role in South Africa’s
quenching capabilities requisite
infrastructure development
for various materials.
and is a critical partner in
the government’s ambitious
The facility has an annual
infrastructure expansion drive
production capacity in excess
that hopes to provide the
of 30,000 metric tonnes and is
impetus needed to ensure South
supported by a highly skilled,
Africa’s industrialisation and
experienced workforce that
economic growth.
includes engineers, metallurgists,
technicians and artisans
Since restructuring in 2012, the
from diverse backgrounds.
company has strengthened its
The company exports to 42
standing as a leading global
countries, supplying more than
supplier to a customer base
130 customers throughout
from more than 70 countries,
the world.
including the USA, Europe
and Asia.
DCD Ringrollers holds an
impressive array of local and
DCD has achieved this
international accreditations,
by adhering to stringent
including SABS and ISO
international manufacturing and
9001:2008 and OHSAS 18001,
safety standards across all of its
with products approved by
various operations.
multiple OEM’s, government
agencies and railway
operators. This ensures that
DCD is able to compete in the
international arena.
Preventative
Maintenance
For Industrial
Batteries
The introduction of intelligent infrastructure to manage
railway systems has enabled operators to dramatically
change their approach to the maintenance of railway
assets and infrastructure. Rather than relying on
scheduled maintenance intervals, operators are
increasingly coming to rely on data from sensors and
monitoring equipment to predict when and where a
failure is likely to occur. Unlike in the past, maintenance
can be carried out to prevent rather than repair damage
to railway assets. Costly time-consuming prescheduled
servicing of equipment can be eliminated with the
introduction of condition-based maintenance.
Afribat, a South African company that specialises in

battery analysis, optimisation and maintenance services,
has brought predictive maintenance to the industrial
battery sector for the first time in South Africa. Afribat
is able to provide clients with electrochemical battery
analysis, intelligent battery management software,
battery regeneration technology and certified quality
battery provisioning to deliver a comprehensive,
ProActive Maintenance Service (PMS) for standby and
traction batteries. The company currently services
customers in the telecommunication, power utility, data
centre, automobile, aviation, battery manufacturer and
forklift industries.
The Railways AfricaTM Magazine team were recently

hosted on a site tour of Afribat’s new facilities, currently
under construction in Johannesburg, where company
director Geoff Ransom explained the potential benefits
of implementing proactive battery maintenance in the
railway industry.
6:2016 RAILWAYS AFRICA PROFILE
Electrochemical Battery Analysis

There are a range of variables that affect the lifespan of the
industrial lead acid batteries used extensively in diesel and electric
locomotives, as well as in lighting systems, auxiliary systems,
pantograph lifting, signalling, switching and telecommunications.
Practices including partial recharging, undetected faulty cells within
battery packs, poor battery maintenance, and repeated excessive
discharge – allowing the battery to dip below a 20% state of charge
on a regular basis – will significantly impact on the 1,500 charge
cycles that can be expected from an average battery over a five to
fifteen year period. In addition, the primary reason for premature
battery failure is a natural chemical process called sulfation, where
crystallised lead acid builds up on the lead plates, diminishing
battery capacity.
In the absence of battery analysis technology, battery failure

cannot be predicted and, as such, entire battery packs are regularly
replaced as a part of routine maintenance programmes, resulting
in scores of perfectly functional cells being prematurely discarded.
In answer to this challenge, Afribat is able to analyse individual
batteries within a battery pack, either in situ or at their testing
facilities, to ensure that battery maintenance is carried out based
on condition rather than arbitrary variables such as age or after a
battery pack has failed altogether.
Afribat uses the only handheld multi-frequency electrochemical

battery analyser available on the market to evaluate all four
electrochemical properties of the battery - including voltage,
impedance, sulfation and dryout. This data reveals the state of
a battery’s health and enables technicians to select only the
cells that require intervention, which has a direct impact on
maintenance costs.
Battery Regeneration And Restoration

Once Afribat’s highly skilled professionals identify faulty batteries,
cells are not automatically discarded, but rather considered for
regeneration, adding another avenue for cost saving. The company
employs state-of-the-art battery regeneration technology that
restores batteries to near full functionality by removing crystallised
lead sulphate build-up. During the restoration process, battery
management system sensors and infrared thermal cameras are
used to further analyse individual battery performance, ensuring
an incredibly in-depth view of battery condition throughout the
regeneration process. Renewing existing cells offers an immediate
cost saving, as the service comes at a fraction of the cost of
replacing batteries in their totality. In addition, reconditioning
batteries result in a lower carbon footprint in comparison to
recycling discarded battery cells.
Continuous Monitoring
The cornerstone of preventative maintenance is tracking the
performance of an asset or system to identify potential risk areas
prior to failure and to intervene proactively rather than reactively.
Successful implementation of predictive maintenance has been
shown to increase the predictability of infrastructure performance
and minimise costly downtimes. Afribat offers their customers
a comprehensive Battery Management System (BMS) through
their intelligent battery management software. The BMS provides
clients with access to extensive analytical data pertaining to the
performance of traction batteries, allowing operators to make
informed decisions to mitigate unnecessary spending on their
battery assets. This data is accessible on a web-based portal,
allowing a client visibility of their battery performance and
maintenance needs at any time. The package also allows operators
to achieve tighter control of their battery inventory management
and ensures that unexpected battery failures do not have an
adverse effect on operations.
REPORT: SAFETY RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2016
6:2016
The State of Railway Safety

In South Africa
The National Development Plan (NDP), as enacted reported in 2015/16 as compared to the more than
by the South African Government in 2013, positions 12,000 people who die on South Africa’s roads on an
railway transportation as the backbone of the country’s annual basis¹- poor compliance with safety regulations in
transport and logistics networks. The NDP, aimed the railway sector continue to cost people their lives.
at eliminating poverty and reducing inequality over
the next 14 years, highlights the need to ensure the In an effort to regulate safety on the country’s railway
movement of goods and people in a safe, cost-effective, networks, the National Railway Safety Regulator Act was
sustainable manner to drive economic activity and passed in 2002, making provision for the establishment
improve the quality-of-life of all South African citizens. of a national regulatory body that is mandated to
oversee that all railway activity is conducted with safety
As a part of the implementation of the NDP, government as a priority in South Africa.
has started investing heavily in the country’s railways,
including the purchasing of new rolling stock for The role of the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) is two-
passenger and freight services, the rehabilitation of the fold, with their primary function being to provide safety
country’s rail infrastructure and implementation of state- oversight and to ensure safe railway operations by
of-the-art technology to ensure that railways in South establishing and enforcing a regulatory regime through
Africa are competitive on a global scale. the development of regulations and standards and by
issuing safety permits to operators who demonstrate
Adherence to safety standards designed to reduce the appropriate Safety Management System (SMS).
operational occurrences that damage rail infrastructure
and rolling stock, and minimise fatalities and injuries The secondary role of the RSR, the organisation states,
emanating from railway operations and service is to play a supporting role in overseeing security
utilisation, remains critical to the successful resurrection matters as well as supporting occupational health and
of the country’s rail sector. Railway accidents are safety in the operationalisation of railway services in
notoriously expensive, as damage to assets can cost collaboration with other relevant stakeholders, such as
operators millions following a single incident. In addition, the Department of Labour. The RSR also ensures the
while rail remains significantly safer in comparison to safe introduction of new rolling stock and infrastructure
other modes - evidenced by the 453 rail-related fatalities through technology reviews.
1. Peters, Dipuo: 2016 Africa Road Safety opening address, October 2016 – www.gov.za/speeches/africa-road-safety-2016-31-oct-2016-0000-0
6:2016 RAILWAYS AFRICA REPORT: SAFETY
RSR State Of Safety Report 2015/16 According to the data submitted by the various
In addition to the above-mentioned duties, the RSR is stakeholders for the 2015/16 reporting period, there
mandated to produce a comprehensive report on the has been a decrease in rail traffic for both TFR and
state of railway safety in the country on an annual basis, PRASA, while Gautrain reports a marked increase in
documenting all safety related incidence, operational passenger volumes when compared to the previous
occurrences, fatalities and injuries emanating from the reporting period.
operation and utilisation of railways in South Africa.
Reporting Of Occurrences
The report covers the activities of all railway operators On South Africa’s Railways
in the country, with Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) and During the 2013/14 financial year, the RSR realigned its
the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) strategic objectives and interventions with the aim of
dominating the sector. The Bombela Operating Company significantly reducing the number of railway occurrences
(BOC), trading as Gautrain, joined the major operators in across the industry. To achieve this outcome, five key
Gauteng during the 2010/11 year. focus areas were identified, which include:
The balance of the operators covered in the report • Category A: Collisions on a running line
comprises rail entities within tourism; cross-border and • Category B: Derailments on a running line
surface operators on mines; rail operators at the ports; • Category D: Level crossings on a running line
and municipal sidings and service lines that provide • Category E: People struck by train on a running line
access from the national network to private sidings for • Category H: Platform train interface
various operators in the agricultural, manufacturing
and petrochemical sectors. The regulator reports a The selection of these key strategic focus areas was
91% level of compliance with reporting requirements based on operational occurrences that contributed to
from operators, which supports the validity of the 80% of the risks in the external environment, either in
data analysed. terms of costs incurred by the operator or in terms of
injuries and loss of life. The RSR points out that most
Million Train Kilometres by Operator of the factors contributing to these occurrences can be
50
controlled if operators comply with safety regulations
45
as set out by the RSR, thereby significantly adding
to a safer railway sector for both passengers and
40
35
30
freight customers.
25
20
While incidents occurring at level crossing do not,
15 strictly speaking, qualify for inclusion based on the
10 number of injuries, fatalities, or cost to operators, the
5 RSR decided to include level crossing in their five areas
0
Y2010/11 Y2011/12 Y2012/13 Y2013/14 Y2014/15 Y2015/16 of critical focus due to the high fatality rate associated
with incidents at these critical junctions between road
TFR 45,9 46,3 46 46,9 47,03 39,04
PRASA 26,3 19,9 24,53 24,53 24,97 23,9
GAUTRAIN 0,3 1,43 4,07
TFR PRASA GAUTRAIN

4,4 4,6 4,6
and rail traffic. Sadly, the RSR reports that a number of
REPORT: SAFETY RAILWAYS AFRICA 6:2016
vulnerable communities have been deeply affected by In line with previous years, Transnet and PRASA account
level crossing occurrences, including an incident where a for 97% of all operational occurrences reported to the
minibus taxi transporting school children entered into a RSR. This is a significant rise from the prior period (92%),
level crossing while a train was approaching, resulting in which could indicate increased levels of safety among
a number of deaths. other operators. The data also suggests that some
operators recorded no incidents, which is commendable
Incidents On South Africa’s Railways and in line with the RSR’s vision of “Zero Occurrences”.
There has been a marked decrease in operational
occurrences and safety-related incidents in the 2015/16 Operational Occurrences
reporting period. The total number of 4,250 operational Critical to the data collection process, the RSR has
occurrences as compared to 4,632 in the previous stipulated predefined categories for the reporting of
reporting period indicates an 8% decrease. In addition, incidents, which are then subdivided into subcategories,
the 5,520 security-related incidents recorded for this enabling the statistical analysis of the data obtained.
cycle shows an 11% decrease, from 6,222 incidents Operational occurrences are defined as incidents that
recorded during the 2014/15 reporting period. stem from unsafe practices or system faults within
railway operations, and are categorised as follows:
Overall Safety Performance Of The South African

Railway Industry Since 2010/11
7000
6379
6222
6000 5702
5520
5000 4587 4703 4632

4348 4262 4124 4250
4181
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
Y2010/11 Y2011/12 Y2012/13 Y2013/14 Y2014/15 Y2015/16
Operational Occurrences Safety Related Incidents
While the decrease in operational occurrences is

encouraging, the RSR points out that there has been an
increase in collisions (category A) and platform-train
interface (category H). The regulator attributes the
latter to a sharp increase in collisions with obstacles
on a running line, including livestock, debris or rocks,
for example. “This trend can be attributed to the
unrestricted and open nature of the rail network,” the
RSR explains. “It is, however, encouraging to note a
decrease in other critical categories, such as derailments
(category B), level crossings (category D), people struck
by train (category E), spillage of dangerous goods
(category K) and fires as a result of operational faults
(category L),” the report concludes.
Operational Incidents by Critical Area of Focus

2014 /15 vs. 2015/16
700 662
593 591
600 557
500
400
300
200
117
92 87 83
100
12 5
0
2014/15 2015/16
A: Collison on Running Line B: Derailment on running line D: Level Crossing E: People struck by trains H: Platform Train interface
Fatalities And Injuries As A Result to reduce risk when making decisions about railway
Of Operational Occurrences management,” the Safety Report states.
Though category E (people struck by trains) remains
“Members of the public, commuters, railway employees
the highest contributing occurrence, the number of
and contractors, who are either injured or killed in the
people harmed during collisions on a running line -
railway environment, remain a grave concern for the
either between trains or with a road vehicle - is of great
RSR,” the regulator states.
concern. One such example occurred on 17 August
2015, in the vicinity of Umhlali, KwaZulu-Natal, when
Total Number of Injuries and Fatalities 2015/16 PRASA Metro Train 0263 collided with a minibus, which
crashed onto the running line. During the accident, 15
3500
taxi passengers were fatally injured, while five sustained
3000
2510
minor injuries.
2290
2500
Platform Train Interface
1787 1746
2000 1534 1498 The risk associated with passengers embarking or
disembarking trains, to either fall between the train and
1500
the platform or fall on the platform has increased by 11%
1000
during the current period. “Issues such as overcrowding
and the distance between the train and platform play a
500 457 412 440 456 473 453 significant role in such occurrences,” the report explains.
The gap size at the platform-train interface (PTI) is
0
Y2010/11 Y2011/12 Y2012/13 Y2013/14 Y2014/15 Y2015/16 one of the major design aspects that can affect safety.
Fatalities Injuries
Due to commuter rail systems sharing infrastructure
with freight services, station platforms are designed
to accommodate freight car clearances but fail to take
Though there has been a 4% decrease in the number of into account the risk to commuters, particularly for
people killed in the railway environment, the number of vulnerable populations, including the aged, very young
injuries has seen a steep increase (24%) over the past and disabled passengers.
three reporting periods. The RSR highlights the need to
analyse the variables around incidents where people are
being injured as a result of their interface with railways
to enable operators to take the appropriate corrective 0
actions.
“Looking at how people are most likely to be fatally Station

injured would lead to focusing on the interface between Infrastructure
the platform and trains or track, whereas looking at
the total level of risk would lead to a focus on illegal
entry into the railway environment. The railway industry 126
needs to take these factors into account, as well as the
costs and benefits of possible interventions designed
Injury and Fatalities by Occurrence Category 2015/16
Derailments 0 26
Collisions 639 20
Fires 177 0
Electric shock 19 19
Station infrastructure 126 0

Injury
Lev el Crossings 27 6 Fatality
Platform- train interface 651 10
Trav elling outside designated area of train 118 17
Outside station platform areas or in section 336 11
People struck by trains 180 370
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
Rail Recovery Equipment, On-site Lifting,
and Portable Emergency Lighting.
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South Africa
People Struck By Trains

Though a 6% decrease in the overall number of occurrences has been recorded, the
majority (80%) of fatalities were in Category E, in which people are struck by trains
180 during movement of rolling stock. The reasons for these occurrences are closely
People struck linked to socio-economic circumstances, the RSR explains, which place people
by trains in close proximity to railway operations. “The primary cause of these fatalities
370
can be assigned to poor town planning, increasing urbanisation and invasion of
rail reserves or open spaces close to rail reserves by informal settlements. Some
Fatality people are forced to cross the railway lines to access their day-to-day amenities,
Injury while others find themselves in the rail reserve due to residential areas being within
close proximity of the railway,” the RSR states.
However, while many of these factors lie outside of the control of stakeholders
within the railway industry, the regulator highlights the need to educate
communities living and working in close proximity to the railway reserve. “Of grave
concern is the increasing tendency of children to play within the vicintity of railway
lines as well as scholars who use railway lines to walk towards a station or nearby
school. All these actions are undertaken without due consideration of the dangers
of moving trains,” the RSR points out.
Mainline Derailments
0 The RSR recorded a 24% increase in derailments on a running line during the
2015/16 reporting period. While mainline derailments have not contributed
significantly to the loss of life or injuries, the direct cost to operators emanating
from damage to rolling stock and railway infrastructure as a result of derailments
Derailments
exceeds R450 million.
26
Mainline Level Crossings

According to the State of Safety Report, there has been a 5% decrease in the
6
number of mainline level crossing occurrences during the 2015/16 reporting period,
which builds on the 6% decrease reported during the 2014/15 period.
Level
Crossings The regulator attributed the majority of these incidents to a lack of law
enforcement at level crossings. A train always has the right of way at a level
27
crossing. However, many vehicle drivers disregard signage or controls at level
crossing junctures resulting in passenger vehicles colliding with trains moving
through the section.
Security Related Incidence

Security-related incidents are defined as occurrences that are linked to criminal activities and fall primarily within the
mandate of the Rapid Rail Police (RRP), a unit of the South African Police Service. The RSR plays a supportive and
advocacy role in the prevention of criminal activities that place workers and users of railway services at risk.
Safety-Related Incident Category

1. Theft of assets (impacting on operational safety)
2. Malicious damage (vandalism) to property including arson
3. Threats to operational safety
4. Hijacking of trains
5. Crowd-related incidents
6. Industrial action
7. Personal safety on train
8. Personal safety on stations
9. Personal safety outside station platform area (including yards, sidings and depots)
6:2016 RAILWAYS AFRICA REPORT: SAFETY
Security Related Occurences
The continued efforts of the RRP to increase the

2015/16
level of safety within the railway environment
have resulted in 38,504 people being arrested for
crossing the railway without authorisation. This
2014/15 is a 125% increase compared to the 17,145 people
arrested during the 2014/15 reporting period. In
addition, cable to the value of R7,221,059 was
recovered, and 224 firearms were confiscated
2013/14 during various RRP operations.
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000
Theft of assets Malicious damage
Threats of operational safety Crowd-related occurrences 3500

Security Related Incidents by Operator
Industrial action Personal safety on trains
3000
Personal safety on stations Personal safety outside station platform area
2500
During the 2015/16 reporting period, an 11%
decrease in security-related incidents was 2000
recorded, with 5,520 incidents compared to 6,222

recorded in the previous reporting period. 1500
This is a somewhat surprising finding, as various 1000
interests groups have appealed to the government 500

to put measures in place to address rising levels
of crime on the country’s railways, most notably in 0
TFR PRASA Other (BOC)
the Western Cape. The United National Transport Theft of assets Malicious damage Threats of operational safety
Union (UNTU) is in the process of taking legal Crowd-related occurrences Industrial action Personal safety on trains
action against PRASA for infringing on worker’s Personal safety on stations Personal safety outside station platform area
rights to a safe working environment as a result of

high levels of crime on the nation’s railways.
QUALITY AIR BRAKE COMPONENTS
Tel: +27 (0)12 653 4595 105 Theuns Street, Hennopspark, Centurion, 0157
Fax: +27 (0)12 653 6841 PO Box 51063, Wierda Park, 0149, South Africa
Email: sales@vanrail.co.za www.vanrail.co.za
Vanrail_489_hlfpg_airbrake_F.indd 1 2016/11/01
www.railwaysafrica 12:52 PM
.com 35
COMPANY NEWS RAILWAYS AFRICA 6:2016
LOTO Procedures Bombardier

Taking Electrical Reports Third
Safety to a Quarter 2016
New Level with Results
Marechal® Sockets Bombardier recently
released their third
The combination of the unique
quarter results for 2016,
safety features of Marechal®
highlighting a solid
Electric’s DECONTACTOR™
performance in executing
technology and lockout-tagout
their turnaround plan.
(LOTO) protection offers a
dual approach to enhancing
Alain Bellemare, president
electrical safety for staff during
and chief executive officer
maintenance or when moving
at Bombardier Inc., stated:
electrical equipment.
“We continue to gain
momentum as we execute
Marechal® DECONTACTOR™
our turnaround plan and
sockets have become industry’s
transform our company.
first choice for ease of connection
In the third quarter, we
and disconnection of electrical
again delivered on our
equipment. The DECONTACTOR™ is a robust, watertight device that offers enhanced
financial commitments; we
electrical performance to keep critical plant running and maintenance staff safe.
achieved our programme
milestones, and the
The DECONTACTOR™ features a socket with an integral switching device operated
company continued to take
on load, at the push of a button. This reduces downtime for maintenance and
the hard actions necessary
repositioning of production equipment. Both qualified and multi-skilled staff can
to improve productivity,
operate the quick release button to disconnect equipment. Once released, the plug is
reduce costs and optimise
completely de-energised and as it is impossible to pull plugs out live, this significantly
our operations.”
increases operational safety for maintenance staff working with electrical equipment.
With the strong year-
The potential for danger, however, is always present when production plants and
to-date performance,
other electrical equipment are scheduled for routine maintenance or have suffered
Bombardier reaffirmed its
failure. In these circumstances, maintenance staff are under pressure to affect repairs
guidance and announced
as quickly as possible to minimise downtime and get the plant up and running.
that it expects to finish
During routine maintenance or emergency repairs, safety procedures must be
the year at the high end
followed to prevent accidents, as the slightest lapse in concentration could lead to
of its EBIT guidance, with
disastrous consequences.
better operating margins
at each of its business
Lockout-Tagout (LOTO) Procedures To Ensure Highest Safety Standards units and with significantly
Employees servicing or maintaining machines or equipment may be exposed to improved year-over-year
serious physical harm or death if hazardous energy is not properly controlled. LOTO cash performance. For
protocols - or “lock and tag”- is a safety procedure which is used in industry to ensure the third consecutive
that dangerous machines are properly shut off and are not able to be started up again quarter, EBIT margins
prior to the completion of maintenance or servicing work. before special items at
Transportation, Business
Compliance with LOTO protocols requires that hazardous energy sources be isolated Aircraft, Aerostructures
and rendered inoperative before work is started on the equipment in question. The and Engineering Services
isolated power sources are then locked, and a tag is placed on the lock identifying the have exceeded 6%,
worker who placed it. The operator then holds the key for the lock ensuring that only showing early benefits of
he or she can start the machine. This prevents accidental start-up of a machine while the company’s turnaround
it is in a hazardous state or while a worker is in direct contact with it¹. plan. Further highlighting
the company’s progress
Marechal® DECONTACTOR™ sockets can now be supplied with a padlocking is the recent first flight
function, which enables users to comply with LOTO procedures. When fitted, the of the Global 7000 -
socket padlock bar prevents the socket release button from being pressed, which Bombardier’s all new
in turn, prevents the plug from entering the socket. In this state, visible isolation class-defining ultra-long
is achieved. It is also possible to lock-out the plug itself to prevent unwanted range business jet that
re-connection elsewhere. is on schedule to enter
service in 2018.
With an industrial switched DECONTACTOR™ range from 20A to 250A and the
switched ATEX range from 20A to 200A, Marechal® offers a quick disconnect/ “As we close out 2016,
isolation/LOTO safety solution for any plant that enables duty holders to comply with we are confident in our
health and safety requirements. strategy, our turnaround
plan and in our ability
1. The Control of Hazardous Energy (lockout/tagout) – 1910.147, U.S Occupational Safety and Health to achieve our 2020
Administration https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_
id=9804 Retrieved 7 November 2016 goals,” Bellemare
6:2016 RAILWAYS AFRICA COMPANY NEWS
continued. “We remain Aircraft, Transportation,

focused on improving Aerostructures and
operational efficiency, Engineering Services
flawlessly ramping-up were partially offset by
our new programmes and the production ramp-up
maintaining a disciplined effect of the C Series
and proactive approach to aircraft programme.
deliver value to customers Free cash flow usage
and shareholders in any improved by $US496
market environment.” million and $US809
million respectively for
Bombardier reported the quarter and the nine-
consolidated revenues month period, reflecting
of $US3.7 billion in the continuous cash discipline
quarter and $US12 billion and lower development
in the nine-month period, spend following the
following the planned certification of both the
reduction in business CS100 and CS300 aircraft.
aircraft revenues and With the completion of the
the deferral of revenue equity investment by the
recognition following Government of Québec
active project and (through Investissement
cash management Québec), Bombardier
in Transportation. boasted a strong liquidity leading to a consolidated free cash flow usage
position of $US4.4 billion EBIT before special items guidance to the range of
EBIT before special as at September 30, 2016. guidance between $US350 $US1.15 billion to $US1.45
items was $US87 million million and $US400 million billion, as previously
and $US323 million These results give for 2016. The company is announced, following a
respectively for the Bombardier strong also refining its revenue revised delivery forecast
quarter and year-to- confidence in exceeding guidance to approximately for the C Series aircraft
date period, as margin its profitability targets in $US16.5 billion and programme as a result of
improvements at Business all its business segments, confirming its consolidated engine delivery delays.
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COMPANY NEWS RAILWAYS AFRICA 6:2016
20 Tonne Metre Crane Road Rail Vehicle (RRV)

South African road rail vehicle (RRV) developer RailPro has developed their first 20
tonne metre Crane Road RRV. The RailPro crane RRV - intended for the maintenance
and construction market - has recently been put into operation by Tractionel
Enterprise, a leading rail OHTE/OCDS¹ specialist in South Africa. Tractionel is currently
using the new crane RRV to plant 14.7m high masts and work on construction and
maintenance tasks that are critical to the OHTE infrastructure in South Africa.
HIAB Cranes, based in Johannesburg, consulted extensively with RailPro throughout

the design process and have equipped the vehicle with a fully hydraulic mounted
crane, complete with wireless remote control, and an outrigger system, which
allows the support legs to be deployed on rail lines as well as rail platforms.
HIAB sales and marketing manager, Eddie Rewitzky states that: “HIAB
consistently work with their clients to deliver innovative new products, which
are designed to meet their customer’s unique needs. Together with RailPro,
HIAB identified the opportunity to address some of the difficulties that
clients face when working with a crane of this size. Operators are often
restricted to standard rubber-wheeled, road-going vehicles and access to
the railhead via service roads can present a challenge. RailPro’s Crane RRV
is a flexible, mobile platform that is fully bimodal. The RRV can be used
on both road and rail to access the worksite, which increases the speed
of access and therefore has a positive effect on productivity.”
Chief executive officer of RailPro, Ian Ross, commented: “Our “We are developing
proprietary DSDS™ technology transmits power to the rail wheels
directly from the truck’s own engine. Our technology has been our fleet based
developed in South Africa, in consultation with our clients, to on RailPro’s
develop a world-class solution for the rail maintenance industry.
Our technology is based on a direct drive system that is far maintenance
lighter than conventional technologies, thereby allowing for platform. These
greater payloads both on and off rail. Our RRVs are 30 times
more fuel-efficient than a small locomotive and have low
vehicles have been
maintenance costs. The Crane RRV is a purpose-designed put to work in
vehicle that can operate on road or rail, and is safer to rail maintenance
operate when lifting heavy equipment on rail in comparison
to other available solutions currently on the market.” and construction
environments and
Operations manager at Tractionel Enterprise, Juan Swart,
added that: “We are developing our fleet based on have consistently
RailPro’s maintenance platform. These vehicles have delivered superior
been put to work in rail maintenance and construction
performance in
environments and have consistently delivered
superior performance in comparison to other RRVs comparison to other
currently on the market. We have ordered the RRVs currently on
RailPro crane RRV so as to meet and exceed our
client’s expectations. The stiff-boom crane allows the market.
our company to achieve higher work-rates, Juan Swart, operations manager,
Tractionel Enterprise.
thereby increasing productivity, while operating
with greater safety, which directly benefits
our customers.”
1. Overhead Track Equipment (OHTE) and Overhead Contact

Distribution Systems (OCDS)
SHELTAM TRAINING
• Registered TETA assessors and moderators for train operations
• Accredited supplier of training for train drivers, assistants,
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• Upskilling of technical staff in diesel and electrical fields
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• Audit train operations and Safety Management Systems 127 Villiers Rd, Walmer, 6070
• Assist in obtaining RSR permits PO Box 15148, Emerald Hill, 6011
• Setting up RSR Safety Management Systems Port Elizabeth, South Africa
AFRICA UPDATE RAILWAYS AFRICA 6:2016
Africa Update is updated weekly and sent to

subscribers of the Railways Africa™ News Express.
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AFRICA AT THE CENTRE OF GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE

While the United Nations the efforts of countries
Framework Convention on that are Parties to the
Climate Change (UNFCCC) Convention to address
identifies climate change climate change and was
as a global injustice, it is designated as the supreme
recognised that the effects governing body of the
of climate change often Convention. To date, 195
have the greatest impact countries have submitted
on the world’s most their instruments of
vulnerable populations, ratification, and Parties
particularly on the African meet once a year in order
continent. These are to evaluate the application
often the populations of the Convention. The
that, ironically, impart the annual COP assemblies
smallest carbon footprint provide participants with
King Mohammed VI of Morrocco, delivers royal speech at the as compared to more the opportunity to gather
22nd Conference of the Parties (COP 22) to the UNFCCC.
developed, industrialised and share information on
The internationally Railways are increasingly regions. In this context, the greenhouse gas emissions,
renowned climate change coming to feature as a Conference of the Parties assess and compare
conference, COP22, sustainable solution to (COP) to the Climate national policies and
was held in Marrakesh, the world’s transport Change Convention agree optimal practices with
Morocco, in November needs, as evidenced by that Africa deserves regards to sustainable
of this year. As the first the Global Sustainable special attention, taking development, and address
conference of its kind Transport Outlook Report a prominent position in both the foreseen and
to be held in Africa, the entitled Mobilising the pre-2020 agenda as unforeseen implications of
event has cemented the Sustainable Transport for championed by Morocco. climate change on the lives
continent’s position as Development issued by of people throughout the
a major role-player in the UN secretary-general’s COP22 In Context world¹.
the global response to high-level advisory The United Nations
climate change. As one group on sustainable Framework Convention on During the COP21
of the world’s fastest transport, prior to the Climate Change (UNFCCC) convention, held in Paris,
developing markets, assembly of the COP in was signed at the Earth France, 195 delegations
Africa has the potential November. In addition, Summit in Rio de Janeiro adopted a landmark
to embark on its journey the first ever Global in 1992 and entered into climate change agreement,
towards industrialisation, Sustainable Transport force in 1994 with the which plans to contain
and the resultant Conference was held in objective of reducing the the average increase of
economic prosperity Ashgabat, Turkmenistan greenhouse gas emissions the global temperature
envisioned for the on 27 November, providing that are believed to be to “well below 2°C”²,
continent with sustainable, stakeholders in the rail a major contributor to to match levels prior to
environmentally friendly industry a platform to climate change, including the industrial revolution.
technologies from highlight the role that global warming. According to numerous
inception, including high volume, low emission studies conducted by
dynamic and innovative rail transport modalities Following the signing the Intergovernmental
mobility solutions for both play in reducing carbon of the Convention, Panel on Climate Change
people and goods across emissions emanating from UNFCCC established (IPCC), among others,
the continent. the transport sector on a the Conference of the the world is experiencing
global scale. Parties (COP) to guide unprecedented global
warming. The IPCC
6:2016 RAILWAYS AFRICA AFRICA UPDATE
employs empirical greenhouse gases in

research techniques to the atmosphere has
establish the effect of been increasing due to
human activity on climate human activity. Since
change by measuring risks 1880, the planet's surface
and proposing mitigation temperature has increased
and adaptation strategies by an average of 0.85°C
to reduce greenhouse and sea levels have risen
gas emissions. by an average of 19cm.³”
If these trends continue,
From the very first IPCC the IPCC predicts, sea
Assessment Report levels will rise by 1m by
(FAR), published in 1990, the year 2100, and global
scientists have shown surface temperatures
that emissions from could be between 1°C and
human activities are 9°C higher than those
increasing concentrations recorded today, with Official opening of the COP22 Climate Change
of greenhouse gases, an average increase in Conference in Marrakesh, Morocco.
including carbon surface temperature of
dioxide, methane and up to 5.4°C⁴. This could
chlorofluorocarbons have a devastating effect
(commonly known as on weather patterns, food
“Sustainable transport is the provision
CFCs) in the atmosphere. security and climate- of services and infrastructure for the
In its latest report, the related natural disasters mobility of people and goods - advancing
IPCC highlights the impact such as unprecedented
of climate change on land droughts and flooding.
economic and social development to
and ocean surfaces, as well benefit today’s and future generations
as its direct consequences To mitigate these risks, - in a manner that is safe, affordable,
on the decrease in snow many researchers
accessible, efficient, and resilient, while
cover and the melting of highlight the need for
the ice caps. stringent, far-reaching and minimising carbon and other emissions
innovative solutions that and environmental impacts.”
Since pre-industrialisation, will dramatically reduce - Mobilising Sustainable Transport Report (2016).
the 5th IPCC report states, the current levels of
“the concentration of emissions stemming from
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the excessive utilisation Following investigations, 2. Integrate all frameworks for

of carbon-based energy the advisory group found sustainable transport sustainable transport,
sources to fuel the world’s that global, national and planning efforts with and build capacity
needs, a goal that the local transport systems an appropriately for gathering and
Paris Agreement aims operate under severe balanced development analysing sound
to achieve. constraints, worsened of transport modes: and reliable data
by a lack of sustainable integration vertically and statistics.
Mobilising investments. In response, among levels of 8. Promote diversified
Sustainable Transport the expert panel issued government and funding sources
For Development the Mobilising Sustainable horizontally across and coherent fiscal
Transport for Development modes, territories frameworks to
In response to the United Report, which provides and sectors. advance sustainable
Nation’s commitment ten recommendations 3. Create supportive transport systems,
to the Sustainable on how governments, institutional, legal and initiatives and projects.
Development Goals (SDG), businesses and civil regulatory government 9. Increase international
which came into force in society should redirect frameworks to development
January of this year, and resources in the transport promote efficient, funding and
the adoption of the Paris sector to advance sustainable transport. climate funding for
Agreement at COP21, UN sustainable development. 4. Build technical sustainable transport.
secretary-general Ban The report found that a capacity of 10. Promote sustainable
Ki-moon established a transformational change transport planners transport technologies
high-level advisory group to sustainable transport and implementers, through outcome-
to investigate sustainable can be realised through especially in oriented government
transport as a key annual investments of developing countries, investment and
component in achieving approximately $US2 through partnerships policies that
these ambitious global trillion, similar to the with international encourage private
development objectives. current ‘business as usual’ organisations, sector investment and
This high-level advisory spending of $US1.4 trillion multilateral action through various
group was mandated to to $US2.1 trillion. development banks, incentive structures.
provide recommendations and governments
on sustainable transport These at all levels, to Investments in sustainable
on a global, national, recommendations include: ensure equitable transport, the experts
local and sector level. 1. Make transport access to markets, found, could lead to
Over the past three years, planning, policy jobs, education and fuel savings and lower
the advisory group has and investment other necessities. operational costs,
worked with governments, decisions based on 5. Reinforce efforts decreased congestion
transport providers, the three sustainable toward preventing and reduced air pollution.
businesses, financial development road traffic deaths Additionally, it is estimated
institutions, civil society dimensions—social and injuries. that efforts to promote
and other stakeholders development, 6. Foster an informed, sustainable transport can
to promote sustainable environmental engaged public as deliver savings of up to
transport systems and (including climate) a crucial partner in $US70 trillion by 2050.
their integration into impacts and economic advancing sustainable A move to sustainable
development strategies growth—and a full life transport solutions. rail-based freight and
and policies at multiple cycle analysis. 7. Establish monitoring passenger transport that
levels, across the world. and evaluation includes integrated port
Continues on page 44
Africa in the spotlight at the COP22 Africa Action Summit.
1. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, 22nd Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP22) - https://www.unisdr.org/we/
inform/events/44468
2. The COP22, the COP Plan of Action, Marrakesh, 2016 - http://infomediacop22.com/media/presskits/Press_KIT_Steering-Committe_COP22_EN_
N1Y9.pdf
3. 4 IPCC, 2014: Climate Change 2014: Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Fifth Assessment Report of the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Core Writing Team, R.K. Pachauri and L.A. Meyer (eds.)]. IPCC, Geneva, Switzerland.
6:2016 RAILWAYS AFRICA COMPANY NEWS
PIDA WEEK 2016: CALLS FOR

ACCELERATED JOB CREATION
THROUGH INFRASTRUCTURE
DEVELOPMENT
Members of the African Union (AU), the NEPAD
Agency and the African Development Bank
(AfDB) congregated for the second edition of
the Programme for Infrastructure Development
(PIDA) Week, held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. This
year’s gathering, organised under the theme:
MARECHAL®
‘Creating Jobs through Regional Infrastructure
Development,’ has drawn over 250 participants
and stakeholders representing the AU member
states, the private sector, development partners
MARECHAL®
and project owners. HIGH RESISTANCE TO VIBRATION
QUICK EASY ASSEMBLY
& DISASSEMBLY
HIGH RESISTANCE TO VIBRATION
QUICK EASY ASSEMBLY
& DISASSEMBLY
Group picture of participants at the

PIDA Steering Committee.
The aim of PIDA Week 2016 is to validate

the importance of tackling the infrastructure
gap on the African continent through local
infrastructure development projects to create
an enabling environment for economic growth
throughout the region. Particular focus has
been placed on the potential that regional
infrastructure development projects provide for
the alleviation of high unemployment levels in
Africa, particularly for vulnerable communities
such as the youth.
The PIDA is a multi-sectorial programme that

covers transport, energy, trans-boundary
water and ICT, and is dedicated to facilitating
continental integration throughout Africa by
means of improved regional infrastructure.
AU commissioner for infrastructure and energy,

Elham M.A. Ibrahim, said in her opening address:
“The PIDA should play a role in narrowing the
gap between job creation and unemployment.
To that end, public decision-makers and private
sector management are urged to actively
implement training and skills acquisition
programmes during infrastructure development
projects, particularly when building roads,
rail systems, power generation and power
transmission systems, in order to prepare young
Africans for the implementation of complex
capital projects.”
The event hopes to build on the achievement

of the inaugural PIDA event, held in 2015, to
increase the visibility of PIDA projects and
reach out to the global infrastructure investor
community, development finance institutions,
export credit agencies, public and private marechal.com
project sponsors and governments.
marechal.com
Continued from page 42

MEC FOR TRANSPORT PLACES RAILWAYS AT THE
terminals, well-planned airports and FOREFRONT OF GAUTENG’S URBAN PLANNING
harmonised standards and regulations South Africa
for efficient border crossings, could Speaking at Gauteng Provincial
produce a global GDP increase by Legislature, Gauteng MEC
$US2.6 trillion. for transport, Dr Ismail Vadi
recently presented the Gauteng
Writing in the report’s foreword, UN Department of Roads and
secretary-general Ban Ki-moon noted Transport Annual Report for
that sustainable transport was an the 2015/16 reporting period,
essential element in the fight against highlighting the department’s
climate change, reduction of air pollution achievements, challenges and
and improvement of road safety. plans for the future. Gauteng MEC for Transport, Dr Ismail Vadi.
“Sustainable transport supports inclusive
growth, job creation, poverty reduction, During his opening address, Vadi pointed out the critical role that
access to markets, the empowerment effective transport infrastructure has to play in achieving the national
of women, and the well-being of development goals that the South African government has committed
persons with disabilities and other to achieving by the year 2030, in accordance with the National
vulnerable groups.” Development Plan (NDP). “Transport plays a critical role in society,”
he stated. “It helps to move our economy to a higher growth path.
The report calls for robust engagement In the Medium Term Budget Policy Statements delivered by both
by all stakeholders to ensure all finance minister Pravin Gordhan and MEC Creecy, the crucial role of
members of society have access to jobs, the province’s infrastructure expenditure to stimulate the economy
markets, education and health care, has been highlighted,” Vadi said. “The department, therefore, remains
through sustainable transport. focussed on achieving an integrated and efficient transport system
in Gauteng, which promotes sustainable economic growth, skills
Africa Investing In development and job creation, fosters higher quality of life, is inclusive
Sustainable Transport and and preserves the environment.”
The Mobilising for Sustainability
Vadi went further to point out the strategic importance of taking an
Report constitutes a global study
integrated approach to spatial and transport planning. “Essentially,”
of transport systems, projects and
he explains “we are talking about creating smart cities in the Gauteng
initiatives, covering all modes currently
city-region, that are supported by good public transport systems.
in operation across territories, sectors
Simultaneously, we have to keep our feet firmly on the ground to
and socio-economic zones. In light of
meet the commitments made in our Annual Performance Plan.”
the fact that Africa is home to some of
the world’s least developed nations, it
Vadi recognised the Gautrain Management Agency for achieving a
is encouraging to note that a number
clean audit from the Auditor-General and noted the unqualified audit
of African projects have been featured
opinions for both the Gauteng Department Roads and Transport and
in this landmark report as successful
G-Fleet, the state-owned fleet management entity of the Gauteng
case studies demonstrating the
Roads and Transport Department, for the 2015/16 financial year.
benefits of implementing sustainable
“We are encouraged by the progress made in getting the financial
transport solutions.
statements of G-Fleet on the proper footing.” The MEC stated after
the division received adverse audit findings in the 2014/15 Auditor-
Among these is South Africa’s Gautrain,
General’s report, adding that: “Our challenge now is to sustain the
a rapid rail transit system, which has
progress made and ensure that the department gains a clean audit for
been implemented through a public-
the next reporting period.”
private-partnership, to provide transport
for passengers between some of the
most important economic centres across Rail As A Solution To Gauteng’s Mobility Challenges
the Gauteng Province, including a link With regard to Gauteng’s railway networks, the MEC highlighted the
to the O. R. Tambo International Airport. critical importance of further investment in the various development
East Africa’s Northern Corridor, which projects currently underway in the sector. “Rail is the core of our
connects the landlocked countries of public transport system,” the MEC explained. “Because it is a mass
Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda with mover of commuters with a dedicated right of way, it lends itself to
Kenya’s port of Mombasa, and also transit-oriented development in terms of residential, commercial and
services the Democratic Republic of the industrial densification and urbanisation. The efficiency of the rail
Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, South Sudan transport system is pivotal for a functioning Gauteng city-region,”
and Northern Tanzania, is similarly he concluded.
recognised, particularly in achieving
a number of the above-mentioned Gautrain Fleet Expansion
objectives. Outside of rail, the report Dr Vadi announced during his address that three pre-qualified bidders,
also commends the Gauteng Provincial namely, Bombardier Transport (Pty) Ltd; CRRC E-Loco Supply (Pty)
Department of Roads and Transport Ltd, and Egoli Rail Consortium, have been selected to participate in
for the successful implementation of the next stage of the tendering process to supply the Gautrain with 12
Africa’s first full-fledged bus rapid transit new trainsets. “The initiative to procure 12 new sets for the Gautrain
system, Rea Vaya, which was successfully system is aimed at meeting rising passenger demand. A competitive
introduced prior to the hosting of the procurement process is being followed, where seven potential bidders
FIFA World Cup in 2010.
drew the Request-for-Qualification

documents to supply the new trains,”
the MEC pronounced.
Central Corridor is anchored
around the City of Joburg as
Vadi went further to explain the hub of finances, services,
ICT and pharmaceutical industries.
that: “The Request-for-Proposal
Northern Corridor is anchored
documents have been issued to around Tshwane as the
these three bidders, and their administrative capital city and
the hub of the automotive sector,
final bids should be submitted by research, development, innovation
May 2017.” According to Vadi, the and the knowledge-based economy.
Gauteng Management Agency Eastern Corridor is anchored

(GMA) intends awarding the contract around the economy of the
Ekhurhuleni Metro as the hub of
to the successful consortium in manufacturing, logistics and
transport industries.
November 2017.
Southern Corridor
encompasses the economy of
“The GMA has developed a business the Sedibeng district and the
case within the existing funding for creation of new industries, new
economic nodes and new cities.
Gautrain and has partnered with the
Development Bank of South Africa Western Corridor encompasses
the economy of the current
(DBSA) to arrange the financing West Rand district and the
for the 48 new coaches,” Vadi creation of new industries, new
economic nodes and new cities.
stated. “The capital expenditure
of approximately R4.3 billion multiple legal and arbitration The MEC confirmed that the
for additional rolling stock and processes relating to the Sandton Feasibility Study Report into the
supporting infrastructure is expected Station cavern; the John Vorster and expansion of the Gauteng rapid rail
to sustain about 10,000 jobs in Jean Avenues cantilever bridges network has been completed. Vadi
Gauteng,” he concluded. in Centurion; the water ingress stated that the report would provide
in the tunnel between Park and greater certainty about the future
The MEC confirmed that the GMA Rosebank Stations; and the delay growth of the rail network, but did
and the Bombela Concession and disruption claim. In terms of the not indicate when the report will be
Company (Pty) Ltd (BCC) have agreement, the Gauteng Provincial made public.
agreed to a comprehensive Government will pay Bombela an
settlement of all disputes relating amount of R980 million, and a
to the construction of the Gautrain further payment over two years of
system. The agreement brings R274 million - a capped amount.
to an end protracted, costly and
The Future Of Transport is gaining steady momentum,” is expected to drive economic

in Gauteng the MEC announced, adding activity within the corridor once it
that the implementation of the comes online in 2017. The 50,000m²
MEC Vadi has received support
IFMS will facilitate data capturing manufacturing facility is projected
from multiple stakeholders within
on commuter travel patterns, to accommodate in excess of 2,000
the transport sector, including the
enabling the department to make employees, who will be engaged
parliamentary Portfolio Committee
informed, evidence-based decisions in the manufacture, assembly
on Transport, for the establishment
when developing the province’s and testing of the 600 X’Trapolis
of a new provincial body, which will
transport networks in line with trainsets destined for PRASA’s new
be known as the Gauteng Transport
commuter demands. passenger rail fleet. In addition to
Authority. “The establishment of
the primary manufacturing plant, the
a Gauteng Transport Authority
Aerotropolis – Investment Gibela project incorporates plans for
is a far-sighted initiative that, in
In Strategic Transport the establishment of a 25ha supplier
the coming years, will transform
Hubs In Johannesburg park adjacent to the Dunnottar
the way in which public transport
facility, where train components will
is planned, co-ordinated and Gauteng's Eastern Development be manufactured in close proximity
rendered to residents,” Vadi explains, Corridor, with OR Tambo to the primary manufacturing site.
pointing out that a collaborative International Airport serving as
authority that creates a platform the central nexus of one of the “Already, the Aerotropolis precinct
for all relevant stakeholders to be country’s most important transport has seen an influx of greater freight
represented equally is critical to hubs, will benefit from significant related businesses emerging within
successful and effective transport infrastructure expansion to facilitate close proximity to the ORTIA
governance, especially in a multi- further investment from the transport hub,” Vadi stated, adding
party political landscape where industrial sector within this critical that: “there will be greater impact
cooperation and collaboration are Special Economic Zone (SEZ). in the area once the new housing
needed for transport planning.
and roads being constructed have
According to the MEC, the Gibela an impact on its expansion and
With regards to the department’s train manufacturing facility, currently development,” the MEC concluded.
immediate plans for the under construction in Dunnottar,
modernisation of the province’s
transport systems, Vadi elaborated
on the intended move from the
SUPPLIER PARK
current cash-based payment system Centre of train manufacturing excellence
MANUFACTURING BUILDINGS
used on public transport modes, 31,500 m2
to an electronic payment ticketing

system, which will be integrated
across all public transport modalities,
including bus, rail and the taxi TRAINING CENTRE TESTING CENTRE
1,2km test track
industry. This shift, Vadi explains, will 4000 m2
19,500 people to be trained Static testing buildings
contribute significantly to creating GIBELA TRAIN

an intermodal public transport MANUFACTURING FACILITY
matrix that will be managed by a DUNNOTTAR, GAUTENG
- Artists impression
single Integrated Fare Management
System (IFMS). “Planning for the
e-ticket, which includes minibus taxis
through a private sector initiative,
KANO STATE SIGNS $US1.8 BILLION CONTRACT WITH CHINA FOR LIGHT RAIL PROJECT
Nigeria
The local government of Kano State, situated in the will significantly ease
North West region of Nigeria, has signed a contract with movement of goods
the China Railway Construction Group (CRC) for the and services,” the
construction of a light rail line for the region’s capital, governor explained.
Kano City. The project is currently valued at $US1.8 The project will
billion, 85% of which will be financed by the Exim Bank be implemented
of China, with the remaining 15% being absorbed by the using a phased
local government. approach, with the
first phase expected
Kano State is the second largest industrial centre in to take two years to Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje
Nigeria, and the largest in Northern Nigeria, with both complete at a cost with representatives of the China Railway
small and large-scale manufacturing and agricultural of $US555 million, Construction Group, Kano City, Nigeria.
trade dominating the region’s economic activity. and the second phase is projected to take an additional
Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, expressed two years. Upon completion, the light rail network is
his confidence that the establishment of a light rail expected to comprise four lines, connecting the main
network in the region would support economic activity transport routes in Kano City.
and enable more efficient public transport for people
in the region. “The project is part of a grand design to Governor Ganduje signed the contract on behalf of his
upgrade Kano to the status of a truly great city, as it government at an official ceremony held in Kano City
together with representatives from the CRC Group.
CONCLAVE TO REVITALISE THE UN’S SUPPORT FOR THE

AFRICAN UNION’S AGENDA 2063 OBJECTIVES
Agencies of the UN System, the Regional Economic In the list of aspirations highlighted by the AU in Agenda
Communities (REC) of Central Africa and their 2063, is the development of railway infrastructure to
development partners, including the African support an integrated African economy.
Development Bank (AfDB), convened in Libreville,
Gabon on 6 and 7 December to draw parallels between “By 2063, the necessary infrastructure will be in place
the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063 and the UN’s to support Africa’s accelerated integration and growth,
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in order to better technological transformation, trade and development.
support sub-regional development programmes, the UN This will include high-speed railway networks, roads,
Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) announced. shipping lines, sea and air transport, as well as well-
The conclave was held during the 7th session of the Sub- developed ICT and the digital economy. A Pan-African
Regional Coordination Mechanism (SRCM) of the UN for High-Speed Train Network will connect all the major
the system-wide support of the AU’s NEPAD programme cities and capitals of the continent, with adjacent
in the sub-region. highways and pipelines for gas, oil, water, as well as ICT
Broadband cables and other infrastructure. This will
Convened by the UNECA, the meeting aimed to be a catalyst for manufacturing, skills development,
inform SRCM partners on the appropriate monitoring technology, research and development, integration and
and evaluation facilities and mechanisms for the intra-African trade, investments and tourism.”
implementation of the AU’s Agenda 2063 and the UN’s
Agenda 2030. The UNECA has placed on the agenda, The above objective is closely aligned with the UN’s
not only the task of identifying synergies between Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly
the UN and AU development frameworks, but also that of “Building resilient infrastructure, promoting
to highlight opportunities to implement projects and inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and
interventions that will further the interests of both. fostering innovation.”
The AU’s Agenda 2063 is both a guiding vision and an The synergies between the two programmes are
action plan, agreed to by the heads of states of within easy to identify, which bodes well for the continued
the AU in 2013. Agenda 2063 provides a strategic support of development projects on the continent from
framework for member states to optimise the utilisation international aid agencies and governments who are
of Africa’s resources to ensure positive socio-economic aligned with the UN’s development goals.
transformation within the next 50 years, for all Africans.
Tel: +27 87 310 1769 | rvanjaarsveld@amstedrail.com

www.amstedrail.com
Gross Street, Tunney Ext 3, Germiston, South Africa
Amsted_712_advert_RA_180x120.indd 1 2016/08/10
www.railwaysafrica.com 473:39 AM
SECURITY ON SENA LINE KENYA STANDARD GAUGE RAILWAY PROJECT UPDATE

BOOSTS VALE’S COAL Kenya
TRANSPORTATION Speaking at a recent media
Mozambique briefing, managing director
Mining conglomerate Vale of Kenya Railways, Atanas
Mozambique has once again Maina, confirmed that
started to use the Sena line to the Mombasa - Nairobi
transport coal from their Moatize Standard Gauge Railway
coal mine in Mozambique’s Tete (SGR) project is running
province to port facilities at on schedule, with the first
Beira. In June of this year, Vale batch of locomotives due
officially stopped using the line to to arrive in the country in
transport coal after the resurgence January 2017. The 472km
of political unrest between standard gauge railway, due
Mozambique’s rebel group, the to be commissioned into
National Resistance Movement commercial operation by
(Remano), and the ruling Frelimo 2018, is said to have cost
Party resulted in armed attacks on the railway operator Sh372
Managing director of Kenya Railways, Atanas
two of the company’s coal trains. billion ($US3.2 billion),
Maina, addressing local media regarding
with an additional Sh15 progress on the SGR project.
billion ($US14.7 million)
in land acquisition and
associated costs.
Kenya Railways is expecting a fleet of 43 diesel locomotives, to be

serviced by 1,620 wagons, as well as five passenger trains, supported by
40 coaches, to start arriving in the country in January 2017. According to
Maina, civil works on the project have reached 98% completion with both
communications works and signalling systems already complete. Kenya
Railways management remains confident that trial runs on the Mombasa-
The Sena line remains of strategic Nairobi SGR line will commence in February 2017.
importance to Mozambique’s
Moatize coalfields, as it cuts Construction On The Nairobi-Naivasha Line
the distance to port facilities Construction on phase 2A of the Kenya SGR project, which will cover 120km,
by 337km, in comparison to the connecting Nairobi to Naivasha, is currently underway, Maina confirmed.
alternative Nacala line, which The second phase of the project is expected to come at the cost of Sh153
runs through Malawi before billion ($US1.5 billion), 85% of which will be financed by the Exim Bank of
reaching the port of Nacala. In China. The remaining 15% - approximately Sh23 billion ($US225 million),
an effort to ensure operational in addition to the added land compensation costs, will be financed by the
safety and efficiency on the Sena Kenyan Government.
line, Vale invested in a railway
signalling system that monitors Construction plans for phase 2A of the project have been beset with
the movement of trains through objections from wildlife enthusiasts as a significant portion of the track will
satellite communication allowing pass over the Nairobi National Park. According to Maina, the rail operator has
up to 500 trains per month to held extensive consultative meetings with various interests groups regarding
be monitored and controlled in the effect that the SGR project may have on the ecology of the park, and the
real time. matter has been resolved.
In response to the security risks

that have rendered the Sena line
non-operational between June and TAZARA POSTS POSITIVE RESULTS IN
November this year, Mozambique’s FIRST REPORT OF 2016/17
Tanzania Zambia
national rail operator Portos
e Caminhos de Ferro de The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) continues to post
Moçambique (CFM) has provided positive results following the implementation of an ambitious turnaround
the Sena line with additional strategy over the past year. According to TAZARA’s first quarter report
security to ensure that coal trains for the 2016/17 financial year, the operator hauled 29,061 tonnes of freight
arrive at the port of Beira without during this reporting period, which constitutes an improvement of 9%, in
incident. While neither Vale nor comparison to the 26,571 tonnes transported during the same period in the
CFM are willing to elaborate on the 2014/15 cycle.
details of the security measures,
as a precaution against potential TAZARA also reports significant improvements in their passenger services,
assailants using this information having accommodated 133,863 commuters between Dar es Salaam and New
to circumvent the actions taken, it Kapiri-Mposhi during the reporting period, which is a 20% improvement
has been confirmed that coal trains on last year’s results. The Udzungwa shuttle train that operates between
are successfully running on the line Makambako and Kidatu in Tanzania conveyed 78,246 passengers between
again. July and September, which is 58% above the target of 49,500 passengers
Continues on page 50
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Continued from page 48

KENYA AND UGANDA SIGN
SGR OPERATIONS PACT
Kenya
The governments of the Republic of

Kenya and the Republic of Uganda
recently signed an agreement to
establish the joint operations of
the Mombasa to Kampala Standard
Gauge Railway (SGR) line. The
agreement aims to establish a
framework under which both parties
will implement the provisions of
the SGR Protocol and the directive
of the 13th Northern Corridor
Integration Projects Summit, which set for this period. The Dar es Salaam Commuter Train carried 751,693
mandates that the line is jointly passengers during the quarter, as compared to 513,899 passengers in the
operated by both territories, to corresponding quarter in 2015/16. The Commuter Train’s performance
ensure the seamless operations of was 46% above the set target.
the line, in accordance with the laws
of both countries. In addition to improving both tonnages and passenger numbers, the
railway operator has started recording operational surpluses on both
The agreement was signed by the the Udzungwa Shuttle and the Dar es Salaam Commuter Trains. The
minister of works, Monica Azuba TAZARA board attributes this to the outsourcing of cabin services to the
Ntege, on behalf of Uganda and private sector. TAZARA management has also reported an improvement
cabinet secretary for transport, in operational indices, including enhanced and consistent security and
infrastructure, housing and urban safety in train operations, specifically in freight. TAZARA has achieved
development, James Macharia, on an average transit time of 6.3 days and a wagon turn-around time of 24
behalf of the government of the days between Dar es Salaam and New Kapiri-Mposhi, which constitutes a
Republic of Kenya. significant improvement in operational indices.
The civil works for the Mombasa- “The improvements recorded during the period under review are
Nairobi section of the SGR project in mostly attributed to continued interventions by the two shareholding
Kenya are nearing completion, with governments, through the provision of working capital support, which
the SGR line due for commissioning has facilitated an enabling business environment and stability in
in June 2017. Uganda has entered operations,” the company states.
into an EPC/Turnkey Commercial
contract with China Harbour The report, however, points out that there remain some operational
Engineering Construction Ltd. challenges emanating from tax-related issues at the Port of Dar es
(CHEC) for the development of the Salaam - a problem the board acknowledges is being addressed by the
SGR Eastern route section from relevant authorities.
Malaba to Kampala. Construction is
expected to commence late 2016.
NIGERIAN RAILWAY SYSTEM IS BACK ON TRACK
The joint operations agreement Nigeria
covers freight and passenger The chairman of Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr Usman
railway management, operation, Abubakar recently announced that the country’s railway system is
maintenance and related matters operating at 90% capacity, following substantial investment from the
of the Mombasa – Kampala SGR Federal Government over the past few years. Abubakar has confirmed
section. Under the terms of the his Government’s commitment to continue to focus on developing the
agreement, a single operator will run country’s railway infrastructure, with the view of reduceing journey times
the line across both territories, and between Abuja and Kaduna to one-and-a-half hours.
trains will be able to cross the border
without having to engage in time- The NRC has committed to a 25-year development plan, which started
consuming border control processes, with the installation of a Kaduna-Abuja Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
enabling seamless rail services According to this development plan, the now operational SGR which
across the region. links the country’s two most important economic hubs will be extended
to the rest of the country in the years to come.
“We will continue to work until we cover every state capital and the
major commercial and business towns in the country,” Abubakar
told journalists during a recent interview. He continued by explaining
the under the 25-year development plan, work on the country’s new
standard gauge railway network will soon commence on the proposed
Lagos – Ibadan line, as well as the Kano-Kaduna, which will extend to
Calabar, terminating at the Port of Harcourt.
“This programme will link Northern, Southern and coastal areas so that
passengers and freight are able to move freely across the states of the
federation,” Abubakar concluded.
PRASA’S FIRST X’TRAPOLIS MEGA TRAIN TAKES TO THE TRACK IN MAMELODI

South Africa
Gibela has been awarded a
Provisional Acceptance Certificate
from the Passenger Rail Agency
of South Africa (PRASA) for its
first X’Trapolis MEGA train. The
provisional acceptance certificate
will pave the way for PRASA to
start trial runs in preparation for
the commencement of commercial
service, scheduled for the latter half
of 2017.
Gibela CEO, Marc Granger

highlighted the enormity of this
milestone in the country’s passenger
rail rolling stock procurement
programme, stating that: “This is
a major milestone for Gibela and
our customer, PRASA. The moment passengers onboard, the rail agency
we have been preparing for since has announced, as stipulated by
signing the contract in 2014.” the Railway Safety Regulator
of South Africa (RSR). The first
The train that has provisionally trial is scheduled to run between
been approved by PRASA is the Pienaarspoort Station, Mamelodi
first of 600 X’Trapolis MEGA trains, and Rissik Street Station, Hatfield
engineered and designed by world between 1 December and 16 January.
leading French railway original
equipment manufacturer Alstom, From 18 January to 28 February
for the South African commuter 2017, the second phase of the
rail market. trial run will give passengers an
opportunity to travel on the new
PRASA Initiates Trial Runs train between Koedoespoort Station
On New Rolling Stock and Rissik Street Station. The
The first phase of PRASA’s trial new train is expected to enter full
runs will be conducted without commercial service soon afterwards.
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MOZAMBIQUE - LINE BETWEEN CUAMBA AND LICHINGA BACK IN OPERATION

Mozambique
Mozambican president, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, officially from the track and the removal of landmines in the
inaugurated the recently rehabilitated rail connection railway precinct – a legacy of the country’s violent civil
between the cities of Cuamba and Lichinga, in war that officially ended in 1992, despite resurgence of
Mozambique’s Niassa province. The line has been out civil unrest in recent years.
of operation for the past six years after services were
suspended due to severe degradation of the track. The last 11-wagon train to run on the line in 2006, prior
to services being suspended altogether, took 26 hours
The rehabilitation project was funded, in part, by Vale - a to complete its journey, at an average speed of 12km/h.
major shareholder in the Northern Development Corridor Following the rehabilitation of the line, it is now able
(CDN) Company. The CDN operates across the northern to accommodate 25-wagon trains, with a capacity
region of Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia, and is of approximately 1 million tonnes per annum and will
focused on the commercialisation of the port facilities in accommodate both freight and passenger services.
Nacala though railway service development in Northern During his opening address, president Nyusi highlighted
Mozambique and Malawi. the role that the railway will play in boosting economic
activity in the area, particularly in the agricultural sector.
The rehabilitation programme was initiated in 2012
and has cost approximately $US100 million - $US48 The CDN has invested heavily in the rolling stock
million of which was absorbed by Vale. The restoration required to increase service delivery for farmers along
project covered approximately 240km of track and was the Nacala Corridor, having signed a lease agreement
implemented using a two-phased approach, with phase with Grindrod subsidiary, GPR Leasing Africa for 100
one stretching from Cuamba to Mitande and phase grain hopper wagons in October 2015. The wagons
two covering Mitande to Lichinga. The project involved have been manufactured and purchased from the
replacing metal sleepers, construction work on several South African company Galison Manufacturing and are
bridges, removing overgrown vegetation and obstacles scheduled to go into operation by the end of this year.
Official cutting of the ribbons at the Cuamba/ Fully restored track between Cuamba and Lichinga.
Lichinga line – Northern Mozambique.
TRANSNET FREIGHT RAIL LAUNCHES CRITICAL STEEL HUB

South Africa
In line with Transnet’s Market Demand Strategy to capture and increase TFR’s market share in the steel
(MDS) to migrate road volumes back to rail, Transnet portfolio, which is considered rail friendly traffic.
Freight Rail (TFR) has launched a Steel Hub Train in
collaboration with ArcelorMittal (AMSA), Barloworld and The Steel Hub is a long-term sustainability initiative,
Grindrod logistics. with an envisaged life span of ten years and beyond,
which is backed by sound commercial agreements
The first train in this initiative successfully ran on between all parties. The project commenced two years
2 December, from Newcastle to the Steel Hub and ago, with comprehensive consultation between key
distribution centre in Elandsfontein. Main advantages stakeholders, to support the ArcelorMittal strategic
of this initiative include reduced lead times to AMSA’s direction distribution programme. The Steel Hub at
customers, domestically and in the greater SADC region. TFR’s Elandsfontein yard was identified as the interim
The collaboration also will enable growth in market distribution centre for the next two to three years and
share of outbound steel on rail from the current 13%, will move to a permanent distribution centre, currently
(400,000 tonnes) in 2016/17 to 34% (1 million tonnes) in under construction at the Grindrod premises in Denver.
the 2017/18 financial year. This will result in a significant
reduction in carbon emissions and road congestion. TFR will provide a dedicated service to the Steel Hub to
ensure that AMSA consistently receives a reliable service,
The strategic importance of the Steel Hub for TFR is that with dedicated resources and time slots on agreed upon
it represents an execution of the back-to-rail strategy days. Furthermore, customers’ orders will be supplied
and will strengthen customer relationships, ensuring from the Steel Hub by loading steel onto road cartage
long-term contracting with AMSA. The hub is guaranteed trucks, managed by Barloworld, for delivery to customers.
Technology leader
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Alstom has established standardised

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The DCD Group head office is based in Vereeniging,

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Railways AfricaTM Magazine

In 2012, following an investment of

“While railways remain the core of our

DCD Ringrollers’ production manager

The impressive plant houses three forge

Zero hour cylinder head remanufacturing

Contact the most comprehensively equipped heavy diesel

up to 3,500 tonnes pressure DCD Group Emerges As A

Afribat, a South African company that specialises in

The Railways AfricaTM Magazine team were recently

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In the absence of battery analysis technology, battery failure

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The State of Railway Safety

TFR PRASA GAUTRAIN

Overall Safety Performance Of The South African

5000 4587 4703 4632

Operational Occurrences Safety Related Incidents

While the decrease in operational occurrences is

Operational Incidents by Critical Area of Focus

“Looking at how people are most likely to be fatally Station

Injury and Fatalities by Occurrence Category 2015/16

Station infrastructure 126 0

Platform- train interface 651 10

Trav elling outside designated area of train 118 17

Outside station platform areas or in section 336 11

People struck by trains 180 370

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

People Struck By Trains

Mainline Level Crossings

Security Related Incidence

Safety-Related Incident Category

Security Related Occurences

The continued efforts of the RRP to increase the

0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000

Theft of assets Malicious damage

Threats of operational safety Crowd-related occurrences 3500

recorded, with 5,520 incidents compared to 6,222

This is a somewhat surprising finding, as various 1000

interests groups have appealed to the government 500

rights to a safe working environment as a result of

QUALITY AIR BRAKE COMPONENTS

LOTO Procedures Bombardier

continued. “We remain Aircraft, Transportation,

IECHolden_506_ad_RA_180x120_Outsourced_VF.pdf 1 2016/02/09 10:45 AM