Name and Location
Coal-line export-channel expansion programme.

Location
South Africa.

Client
Transnet Freight Rail (TFR).

Project Description
TFR is expanding its coal export channel, which links the coalfields of Mpumalanga, and the Waterberg, in Limpopo, to markets in Europe and Asia by increasing initial capacity on the corridor to 81-million tons a year and thereafter to 97.5-million tons a year.

The programme combines investments in new infrastructure and rolling stock, most notably a comprehensive dual-voltage locomotive acquisition programme.

The Waterberg upgrade will increase rail capacity to six-million tons a year through incremental upgrades of the existing rail networks and yards through additional loops, maintenance of the existing axle loads, electrical upgrades and improved train control systems.

Owing to the operational challenges and risk associated with the single-line Overvaal tunnel between Ermelo and Richards Bay, the Overvaal tunnel will be doubled. A new double-track tunnel will be built adjacent to the existing tunnel to reduce the current risk.

The work packages are being executed using a combination of in-house resources and external design and supply contracts.

Jobs to be Created
Not stated.

Value
The total expansion and sustaining capital investment for the coal and mineral system programme over the Market Demand Strategy period is currently estimated at R40.7-billion.

Duration
Not stated.

Latest developments
Since inception, R2.6-billion has been invested to expand capacity on the export coal line to 81-million tons a year. For the period ending September 30, 2016, R85-million was invested in the coal line expansion for upgrading yards, lines and electrical equipment.

About R134-million has been invested since the start of the Waterberg upgrade project and R28-million for the period ending September 30, 2016.

Capital spend for the doubling of the Overvaal tunnel has been approved. Execution of the project started in Transnet’s 2016 financial year.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Not stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
TFR corporate affairs Mike Asefovitz, tel +27 11 544 9585 or email Mike.Asefovitz@transnet.net.