Transnet has completed the feasibility study for the construction of 150 km line between South Africa and Swaziland, linking Lothair (Mpumalanga, South Africa) and Sidvokodvo (Swaziland). Under the project, 50 km of line will be constructed in South Africa and 100 km in Swaziland. The project requires the improvement of the adjacent existing lines to align and provide support to the new link.
Preparation works are currently under way, and this involves the acquisition of servitude and the resettlement planning.
The feasibility study report received a green light from both companies to proceed to the next phase.
The project is implemented as a public-private partnership and the process of finding suitable partners is underway.
The project’s primary objective is to reduce rail and road traffic congestion based on a realistic and achievable system capacity. The new line is designed for up to 26 t axle load and longer trains (2.5 km long with 200 wagons), proving the capacity of 12 trains per day.
“This will result in a dedicated general freight corridor for Transnet, while providing necessary additional capacity for Swaziland Railway,” Transnet says.
For Swaziland, the new line will increase the capacity for general freight transport, decongesting the coal line and unlocking capacity on the eastern mainline and the North-South Corridor.
The line has been designed to carry trains with 150 general freight wagons and will operate seamlessly without stopping at the border.
The construction will commence as soon as the funding is finalised.
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