South Africa is investing further in its rail network, with an objective to grow homegrown industrial output, in addition to boosting transport links
This includes with Gautrain, the 80-kilometre express commuter and high-speed rail system in Gauteng that connects Johannesburg and Pretoria with O.R. Tambo International Airport.
The Sihamba Sonke Mobility (SSM) consortium recently landed the next 15-year Gautrain concession as private operator, with engineering and mobility giant Alstom’s portion of the work set to be worth an approximate €800mn.
Alstom is a shareholder and strategic industrial partner of the SSM Concession and will play a key role in the modernisation and long-term performance of one of Africa’s flagship transport systems.
Alstom's scope of work includes the delivery of eight new trains manufactured locally in Gauteng, a new signalling system, communications upgrades, the refurbishment and modernisation of the existing fleet, together with long-term rail maintenance services.
The new trains will be manufactured at Alstom’s Ubunye facility, supporting skills development and local industrial growth, boosting the expansion of the South African rail supply chain.
The investment reflects a growing trend Across Africa to manufacture key products and infrastructure closer to home, rather than import from overseas.
Other SSM shareholders include the AIIM-Motseng joint venture, French operator, RATP Dev, Gibb Crede, AIH Connect and SSM InvestCo.
The Gautrain concession renewal and update will increase the network’s system capacity and train frequency, said Tristan le Masne, Alstom Southern Africa managing director.
“For thousands of commuters across Gauteng, this next phase of the Gautrain project represents seamless and more reliable mobility,” he said.
“Travellers will benefit from more frequent train service and smoother connections across the network.”
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Gautrain concession to boost local industrial capacity
Gautrain network on the move (Image source: Alstom)
