Name of the Project
Gautrain additional rolling stock and depot enhancement procurement programme.

Location
Gauteng, South Africa.

Client
Gautrain Management Agency (GMA), an agency of the Gauteng Provincial government (GPG).

The Gautrain is operated by the Bombela Concession Company (BCC).

Project Description
The project involves the acquisition of additional rolling stock comprising 12 new trains of four cars each and a workshop for the maintenance of the new trains.

The first contract includes the design, supply and maintenance of the new rolling stock, as well as the design, construction and maintenance of the depot extensions to accommodate the new trains. Three service providers have been pre-qualified and will participate in the bidding process.

Jobs to be Created
The project is expected to sustain 10 000 jobs in Gauteng.

Value
The total project value is estimated at R2.5-billion.

The GPG will be the owner of the project and funding will be provided by the Development Bank of Southern Africa.

It is, however, amenable to alternative funding options as presented by the successful bidder.

Duration
The new rolling stock is planned to start operations towards the end of 2021.

Latest Developments
The preferred bidder in the race to provide 12 new four-car trains for the Gautrain system should be announced by the end of the year, Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) CEO Jack van der Merwe has said.  

The announcement was originally expected in August.

The acquisition of new trains is aimed at alleviating congestion during the morning and evening peak periods.

Funding for the project has been secured, Van der Merwe has indicated.

“The challenge is how to structure the acquisition and use of these new train cars within a concession with a different life cycle.”

Other proposed improvements to the Gautrain system in the coming two years include upgrading the signalling system to reduce the time (headway) between trains, thereby increasing capacity on the network.

The GMA is also considering adding an additional, fourth power source to enhance electricity supply to the system. 

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Too early to state.

Contact Details for Project Information
GMA senior executive manager communication and marketing Dr Barbara Jensen, email barbaraj@gautrain.co.za.