Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) has launched a call for proposals for the leasing, development, operation and maintenance of 20 railway lines in several regions of South Africa. Ten-year contracts will require selected operators to carry out infrastructure rehabilitation and modernisation.

Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM), Transnet's rail infrastructure manager, launched a request for proposals (RFP) for the private sector on 9 September. The programme covers 20 railway lines located in the central, eastern and western regions of the South African network.

The selected operators will be able to rent the sites and will be responsible for their investment, development, operation and maintenance for a period of ten years.

The infrastructure involved includes Krugersdorp in the central region, as well as Pyramid South, Ngagane, Hlobane, Panbult, Rietkuil, Carolina, Klaserie, Mica, Pienaarsrivier, Bela Bela and the three Marikana sites in the eastern region.

The western region includes Bellville Autosort, Lutzville Station, Putsonderwater, Worcester, Upington and Orchard. Proposed assets include land, railway infrastructure and associated buildings.

In particular, the companies selected will have to ensure the rehabilitation, modernisation, maintenance and operation of the branch lines. Site visits are planned in the next few weeks before offers are submitted.

According to TRIM, this operation is part of the reform of the South African rail sector and the establishment of open access to the national network. It should also improve the use of assets and the conditions of service on the infrastructure concerned.

TRIM's Director General, Moshe Motlohi, said the program should provide framed private sector access to strategic railway assets. The call for proposals is open until 30 November 2026 Documents are available on the South African National Treasury's e-Tender Portal and Transnet's supplier portal.