ROLLING STOCK | PERWAY | INFRASTRUCTURE | SIGNALLING | OPERATORS | LOGISTICS ISSUE 5 // 2015

EDITOR’S COMMENT RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015

The South African Green Paper

Transport minister Dipou Peters, launching the Green Paper on national rail policy recently, said South Africa’s rail infrastructure slows down the economy. ''There are large volumes of rail-friendly goods being transported on the road, which has an adverse effect on the road infrastructure. Increasing numbers of trucks on South African roads not only cause damage but contribute to increased road carnage.''

More than half of South Africa's rolling stock and rail network are more than 50 years old. "This impacts negatively on service delivery, especially the movement of freight and commuters." Obsolete rail infrastructure and rolling stock, inefficient operations and the underutilisation of the network have resulted in rail losing market share to road, with rail carrying 11% of the country's freight and road carrying 89%.

Bleak Picture Viaduct at Landwasser on The worst part of this bleak picture she paints is its accuracy. It’s spot-on. Switzerland’s Rhaetian Railway – an incredible system through the Continuing, she said only 9% of the world's railways use the 1,067mm Cape gauge, mountains which shows what can while 60% operate on standard. be done on metre gauge, So far, so good – but the conclusion that follows is way too simplistic: "Standard gauge is clearly the superior gauge and is, therefore, proposed as an appropriate gauge for the country in meeting future capacity demands. This is in line with an African Union resolution that all future railways on the continent should be on standard gauge."

Well yes, only the African Union hasn’t been particularly conspicuous for down-to- earth, workable (and affordable) ideas for solving the continent’s problems.

Altitude at highest point on the Granted, South Africa has ordered massively, to try to catch up with its critical rolling Rhaetian Railway’s Bernina Line. stock backlog. But were we to change the country’s rail gauge – to bring things in line with 60% of other systems – none of those 3,600 new X’Ttrapolis Mega coaches we’re buying are going to fit.

No problem! The Green Paper’s authors suggest simply that commuter lines should stay with 1,067mm. That sounds like a great idea but what are the implications? I tell you what – it means duplicating virtually all the infrastructure in every urban area – one set of tracks for Prasa, another for TFR. (Much like the Gautrain route to Hatfield, side-by-side with TFR; four electrified tracks where two should have sufficed).

It Would Cost Transnet $110 Billion Transnet’s Siyabonga Gama, tha man who would have to cope with the realities of this scenario, didn’t exactly say “Over my dead body!”

He did say unambiguously “It won’t happen in my lifetime!”, and spelled out some of the consequences. Converting the country’s railways from 1,067mm gauge to 1,435mm would mean the end of running through to Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania or Mozambique, all of which use 1,067mm gauge.

All cargoes would need to be trans-shipped at the borders – a formidable, expensive and time-consuming business that would probably result in a wholesale shift back to using one-vehicle-all-the-way on the road. The cost of conversion would be formidable – in the region of $US110 billion, Gama estimates.

Not One of the 60% Tempting though it might be to do what 60% of the world does, there are other railways doing their own thing, and not all that badly. The Estrada de Ferro Vitoria- Minas (EFVM), a 904km railway from Belo Horizonte to the port of Tubarao, moves 110 million tons of freight annually - 37% of all goods carried by rail in the whole of Brazil. Reportedly one of the most heavily used double-track lines in the Western Hemisphere, it runs trains of 330 wagons, and carries passengers as well. It doesn’t conform with most world railways, though; the EFVM is metre-gauge.

Rollo Dickson - Editor.

2 www.railwaysafrica.com

RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015

RAILWAYS AFRICA

PUBLISHER In this issue Rail Link Communications cc Africa Update 6 Phillippa Dean Perway Maintenance: Selecting the Correct Tamping Machine 18 Spotlight: South Africa 22 EDITOR IHHA Conference to be held in South Africa 32 Rollo Dickson Gauteng Nerve Centre 38 STAFF WRITER The Economic Case for Public Transport 40 Mandy Thompson Economic Regulation and Competition 41 The Luxembourg Protocol 42 DESIGN & LAYOUT Craig Dean Company News 46 Tanzania’s DIKKM Line 50 WEBSITE Green Paper on National Rail Policy 52 Craig Dean Michael Lotriet Mishaps 56 Railway Preservation 66 ADVERTISING End of the Line 68 Ophelia Naidoo

SUBSCRIPTIONS Ophelia Naidoo Selecting the Correct CONTRIBUTORS Tamping Klinkhamer’s Andre Kritzinger Andrew Lanham Machine Park Station Anton van Schalkwyk Dietmar Fiedel 18 24 Jacque Wepener John Batwell International Peter Bagshawe Heavy Haul Richard Grönstedt Conference Gauteng to be held in Nerve Centre South Africa Completed ISSN 1029 - 2756 32 38

Rail Link Communications cc Why the Luxembourg 13 Sixth Street Protocol will Melville Boost Rail ACTOM: Second Gauteng Investment Yard Project 2092 South Africa 42 46 Tel: +27 (0)11 482 3392 [email protected] Green Paper on The copyright on all material in this Tanzania’s National magazine is expressly reserved and vested in Rail Link Communications cc, DIKKM Line Rail Policy unless otherwise stated. No material may be reproduced in any form, in part or in whole, without the permission of 50 52 the publishers. Please note that the opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers of Rail Link Communications cc unless otherwise stated. While precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, neither the Editor, Publisher or Contributors can be held Railways Africa liable for any inaccuracies or damages that may arise. online

All Rights Reserved.

www.railwaysafrica.com

4 www.railwaysafrica.com (In cooperation with Transnet Freight Rail)

Get the latest knowledge from leading global experts

Scheduled courses | Online courses | CPD courses | Customised courses

Contact: Ms. Nocwaka Combo - Course Coordinator Tel: +27 (0)12 434 2690 Cell: +27 (0)71 676 0186 Fax: +27 (0)86 633 0091 Email: [email protected]

Railway Engineering Courses 2016

Presented by the Transnet Freight Rail Chair in Railway Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Pretoria

Course Code Course Name Venue Dates

P000602-001-2016 Introduction to Multi-Disciplinary Concepts in Railway Engineering ABSA Conference centre 25-29 January P001984-001-2016 Introduction to Railway Projects and Processes SRC Hall, UP 08-10 February P000602-002-2016 Introduction to Multi-Disciplinary Concepts in Railway Engineering Innovation Hub 04-08 April P001822-001-2016 Management of Continuously Welded Rails Innovation Hub 19-21 April P001984-002-2016 Introduction to Railway Projects and Processes SRC Hall, UP 10-12 May P001351-001-2016 Track Geotechnology Innovation Hub 06-10 June P001572-001-2016 Locomotive Systems, Performance and Maintenance SRC Hall, UP 27 June-01 July P002396-001-2016 Railway Asset Management SRC Hall, UP 18-20 July P002755-001-2016 Railway Safety Investigation SRC Hall, UP 15-19 August P000602-003-2016 Introduction to Multi-Disciplinary Concepts in Railway Engineering Innovation Hub 19-23 September P000603-001-2016 Wheel Rail Interaction SRC Hall, UP 24-27 October P000623-001-2016 Railway Infrastructure Maintenance Management SRC Hall, UP 07-11 November P001572-002-2016 Locomotive Systems, Performance and Maintenance SRC Hall, UP 21-25 November

www.ce.up.ac.za Contact us: Tel: 012 434 2500 Fax: 012 434 2505 Email: [email protected] For customised courses: Email [email protected] for quotations on in-house training. AFRICA UPDATE RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015

Africa Update is updated weekly and sent to subscribers of the Railways Africa News Express. Register online to keep up-to-date and informed.

www.railwaysafrica.com/register

BENIN TRANSNET AT COTONOU

South Africa’s Transnet recently signed a contract in Cotonou, Benin, to advise on the port’s container terminal. According to acting CEO Siyabonga Gama, the company aims to increase efficiency in port operations. It isn’t a big contract, but demonstrates the direction Transnet is taking. It is already operating in other African countries including Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Most of these The harbour at Cotonou (Wikipedia). existing foreign activities are rail-related.

BOTSWANA TRANS-KALAHARI LINE

In March 2014, Botswana and Namibia signed a bilateral agreement for plans to develop a 1,447km new railway for transporting export coal to Walvis Bay.

Though recent reports suggest that enthusiasm for the project has lessened following a substantial fall-off in far east coal demand, an office has been set up in Windhoek, to be staffed by six officials, three from each country. Robert Kalomo, heading the Namibian contingent, says a wide range of issues, such as legal and cross-border matters need to be agreed on before the project can proceed. It is envisaged that it will be developed by the private sector, which will need to find the necessary capital. These companies have not been identified as yet, he says. Expressions of interest have yet to be invited.

The initial project cost of $US15 billion, estimated in 2011, will no doubt need to be adjusted upwards. Prospective investors would need to find this amount, Kalomo says, with no government guarantees. They can of course approach institutions such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank for assistance. Once the two countries have resolved outstanding issues, this will make way for funding initiatives and tenders.

6 www.railwaysafrica.com 5-2015 RAILWAYS AFRICA AFRICA UPDATE

BURKINA FASO BOLLORÉ INVESTS €30 MILLION

The Bolloré Group recently invested some €30 million in rolling stock for the metre-gauge railway it has operated since 1995 between Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire and Ouagadougou, capital of neighbouring Burkina Faso. At a function to mark the arrival of six new locomotives it was noted by prime minister Daniel Kablan Duncan, of Côte d’Ivoire, that trade between the two countries topped $US495 million in 2014, compared with $165 billion in 2011.

Bolloré Africa Logistics director Lionel Labarre said another nine locomotives are still to be delivered, adding that the firm intends to upgrade the station in Abidjan. At present, the line is carrying 300,000 passengers annually, a figure that could reach 2 million within a few years. The station at Ouagadougou. Photo: Dr A Jones/Wikipedia.

CÔTE D’IVOIRE ABIDJAN METRO

A 37km route connecting the northern and southern suburbs Abobo via the city centre, and serving the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Attécoubé Cocody International Airport, has been Adjamé devised for the city of Abidjan. Essentially the right-of-way Yopougon Plateau Lagune Ébrié is that of the current metre- Marcory Koumassi gauge railway but a number Lagune Ébrié Treichville of new bridges need to be

constructed. A French-Korean Port-Bouët consortium has signed a build- Yopougon operate-transfer concession Océan Atlantique agreement. The consortium The communes of Abidjan (Wikipedia). comprises Hyundai Rotem (33%), Bouygues subsidiaries DTP Terrassement and Bouygues Travaux Publics (33%), Keolis (25%) and Dongsan Engineering (9%). Hyundai Rotem is to supply rolling stock and signalling, Dongsan Engineering electrification, and DTP Terrassement and Bouygues Travaux Publics and will be responsible for engineering work. Keolis is to operate the line. Preparatory work is expected to cost $US40 million, funded with a bank loan, and construction Proposed Abidjan metro (Wikipedia). is expected to take 5½ years. The first phase is due to be completed in 2019, with passenger services starting in 2020.

Now incorporating

safrench A Part of Torre Industries

Tel: +27 11 822 8782 Tel: +27 12 661 6105 [email protected] [email protected]

www.railwaysafrica.com 7 AFRICA UPDATE RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015

DJIBOUTI ETHIOPIA DJIBOUTI & THE NEW ADDIS ABABA RAILWAY FIRST ELECTRIC LINE IN EAST AFRICA

The completion of Ethiopia’s Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP) seeks a new $4 billion to boost economic growth and achieve middle income railway connecting status by 2025. the port at Djibouti to the Ethiopian The construction of the new electrified railway from capital Addis Addis Ababa to the Red Sea port of Djibouti – the first Ababa is expected electric line in East Africa - is a key component of the to boost bilateral GTP. Two Chinese companies are building the $US2.8 trade significantly. billion line. One of these is working from Mieso to the More than 90% of Djibouti border at a cost of $1.2 billion, of which 70% is Ethiopia’s imports financed by the Export-Import Bank of China and 30% arrive via Djibouti. by the Ethiopian government. Another Chinese company With a population is building the Addis Ababa to Mieso segment. of around 94 The regions of Djibouti (Wikipedia). million, Ethiopia’s Though the obvious economic benefits of the new economy grew electric line are widely recognised, the old, historic by more than 10% in 2014, according to estimates railway it is replacing will not be forgotten. The French- by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The built diesel-powered metre-gauge train went out new 750km line will cut travel time considerably. of service in 2008. However, employees still arrive Whereas the existing use of heavy road trucks takes at work at Dire Dawa every day, only to sit among two days to Addis Ababa, trains are expected to the abandoned rolling stock and imported French do the journey in 10 hours. At around 3,500 tonnes, machinery. They still receive a monthly stipend from the capacity will be about seven times that of the old, company, run now by the Ethiopian government. The metre-gauge railway. Chief executive of state-owned European Commission-funded project to rehabilitate Ethiopian Railways Dr Getachew Betru expects the old railway at a cost of $55 million stalled due to a trains to begin running early in 2016. contractual dispute.

Djiboutian officials are hopeful that the railway will The 750 employees of the old line – down from 2,000 eventually be extended to South Sudan, the Central - maintain a sense of pride at having worked for the African Republic and Cameroon, thus connecting French company. Many speak French. But whether the the Red Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. legacy of the Chinese in Ethiopia will have as strong an imprint as the French remains to be seen. Unlike the The China Railway Group and the China Civil French, Chinese workers are unlikely to settle in Ethiopia Engineering Construction Corporation are leading permanently. Cultural exchanges are limited to simple construction of the railway project, while the greetings exchanged in Mandarin between Chinese and Export-Import Bank of China, China Development Ethiopian workers. Bank, and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China are providing financing. Chinese companies are to develop related infrastructure and port facilities in Djibouti, such as a new shipyard, highway and expansion of the Doraleh port. Plans also include creating extensive new warehouse and office space alongside the Djibouti Free Trade Zone. State-owned China Merchants Holding, which signed an agreement with the Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority in March, is set to lead construction on the $7 billion, 10-year project.

Meanwhile, Turkey has announced plans to build an economic zone in Djibouti for assembly and processing. According to Djibouti minister of finance and economy Elias Moussa Daweleh, Turkey plans to use a manufacturing base in Djibouti to export goods to East Africa and beyond. Developing re-assembly and manufacturing facilities is seen as Old Ethiopian metre-gauge train at Dire Dawa. Photo: Dietmar Fiedel. key to further boosting GDP growth, creating jobs and diversifying the economy away from a reliance on transport services.

8 www.railwaysafrica.com The Railway Engineers choice for Depot Equipment!

12 Laser Park Square Tel: +27 11 794-2910 34 Zeiss Road Email: [email protected] Laser Park Web: www.yalejhb.co.za Honeydew South Africa

Yale_RL312_DepotEquipment.indd 1 2015/09/14 1:51 PM AFRICA UPDATE RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015

ADDIS LRT IN SERVICE

The new 17km Addis Ababa north-south light rail system – the first light rail in sub-Saharan Africa - began public service on Sunday 20 September. A special appeal was made to local residents for the utmost care when crossing rail lines. Ethiopian Railway Corporation deputy general manager Tilahun Sertse says the project has created job opportunities for over 600 citizens to date.

The east-west light rail line, 21km, will open shortly.

China’s Export-Import Bank provided loans to cover 85% of the $US475 million project with the remaining 15% financed by the Ethiopian government. The system is designed to move 15,000 passengers per hour in each direction. Light rail in Addis Ababa (Wikipedia). Each passenger unit has capacity for 286 and there are 41 stations.

KENYA INDIAN SUPPORT FOR EAC MASTER PLAN RVR MARKETED AT CAIRO CONFERENCE

Relations between the East African Community Rift Valley Railways (RVR) is currently at the midpoint (EAC) and India are set to get better especially in the of a $US287 million capital investment and turnaround areas of trade, cultural exchange and development programme, to revitalise the railway, that began in cooperation, following a new commitment. India January 2012, Qalaa Holdings managing director and High Commissioner to Tanzania and representative head of transportation and logistics Karim Sadek to the EAC Sandeep Arya, presenting his credentials announced at a recent one-day conference in Cairo. to EAC secretary-general Richard Sezibera, at the “Since the start of the programme,” he explained, “we EAC Secretariat in Arusha, said his country was have invested $US126 million in modern rail operating keen on strengthening trade and cultural ties with technology, rebuilding infrastructure, expanding the five-member regional bloc which date back haulage capacity and developing modern rail operating several centuries. skills in RVR’s 2,000 strong workforce. Today we are seeing improved safety and reliability, increased He cited the support granted to the community by capacity and a significant improvement in the overall India in the preparation of the East African Railways efficiency of the operation.” Master Plan, the implementation of which he said would revolutionise the transport sector in the region. In 2013, the Exim Bank of India identified 15 African countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Egypt, South Africa and Nigeria, as good investment destinations.

RVR & STANDARD GAUGE

Rift Valley Railways (RVR) and its principals Qalaa Holdings are confident that their metre-gauge railway will be competitive, once the new standard gauge line (SGR) from Mombasa to Nairobi is complete. Citing case studies in Australia, Japan and many countries in South America which have more than RVR freight train. one railway, they are certain that RVR will remain He highlighted the competitive advantages of rail as important despite the more modern SGR. the most efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly mode of transporting goods in East Africa. He introduced Rift Valley Railways (RVR) as a unique door-to-door transport and customs-clearance service KENYA STATION CONSTRUCTION BEGINS provider that can help local exporters from Egypt, Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan tap into new markets Station construction has begun on Kenya’s new and grow the volume of intra-regional trade. “Making standard gauge railway. In addition to the Nairobi use of rail is commercially advantageous for us all,” he eastern station, there are to be stations at Mombasa, emphasised “This is the first of many engagements that Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Maiseny and Voi. we want to have with Egypt. We see huge potential, and while there are still challenges, we believe that we are on the right track.”

10 www.railwaysafrica.com 5-2015 RAILWAYS AFRICA AFRICA UPDATE

WAGONS FROM CHINA FOR RVR

Qalaa Holdings managing director and head of transportation and logistics Karim Sadek announced recently that Rift Valley Railways (RVR) has purchased 500 flatcars from China North Railways (CNR). The first batch of 120 wagons was due to arrive in East Africa at the end of September.

“These new heavy-duty wagons are a real game-changer for us,” he explained. “It means we can carry much heavier goods, increase security and become more efficient in loading and offloading.” RVR container train at Mombasa.

TWO CHINESE MANAGERS FINED RVR GAINS Two managers of the China Road and Bridge PRESTGIOUS Corporation have been fined after admitting bribery AWARD in a court in Kenya. Liu Yabin, a senior official of the company, and Tang Ju, a liaison officer, both pleaded Rift Valley RVR station scene at Nairobi guilty to offering and paying bribes to Kenya highway Railways representatives, according to a spokeswoman for (RVR) is Qalaa RIFT VALLEY ORDERS Kenya’s Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission. Holdings’ MORE WAGONS The men were arrested after offering bribes to primary highway officials on 4 and 5 September. They had investment in Rift Valley Railways, the been stopped for overloading their trucks with the African company concessioned to construction materials. transport sector, operate the Kenya-Uganda with a 25-year metre-gauge railway, has placed China Road and Bridge Corporation reportedly concession to an order for 120 additional denied that Liu worked for the company. operate 2,352km wagons at a cost of $US6.36 of track linking million. The new wagons have a the Indian capacity of 60 tonnes each, 20 Ocean Port of tonnes more than the present Mombasa to fleet. In the longer term, 400 the interiors wagons are to be added, of Kenya, the says RVR general manager Ugandan capital (concession and external Kampala and the communications) Sammy northern part Gachuhi. He told the East and of Uganda. RVR Central Africa Rail and Road was recently Infrastructure Summit in Nairobi awarded the that $126 million had been prestigious IOSH spent on modern rail operating Railway Group’s technology, the rebuilding of International infrastructure and in expanding Award for health haulage capacity “Rising freight and safety, volumes, declining incidents with on-the- and less blockage time are job injuries a testament to the success at its Nairobi of the range of measures so workshops far implemented under our declining by a turnaround programme,” Visit www.3minutesstop.alstom.com for an entertaining and dramatic 90%. immersive experience on learning about the World of Trains. Gachuhi said.

KENYA STD GAUGE TO BE EXTENDED

The new standard gauge railway under construction between Mombasa and Nairobi is to be extended northwards by 120km to Naivasha, in terms of an agreement with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) signed by Kenya Railways. China’s Exim Bank, which is funding the $US 3.6 billion Mombasa-Nairobi phase, will finance the new section as well, but no detail of the amount involved has been announced. The extension will serve the country’s geothermal production centre. Naivasha is developing as an industrial and agricultural hub.

www.railwaysafrica.com 11 AFRICA UPDATE RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015

Addis Ababa NEW KENYA RAILWAY AHEAD OF SCHEDULE SOUTHERN SUDAN ETHIOPIA The $US3.27 billion Nairobi-Mombasa standard gauge railway is Juba Lokichoggio due for completion in June 2017. The second phase, to Naivasha, is due to be finished in 2019. According to Kenya Railways managing TurkanaLake director Atanas Maina, the implementation of civil works was 49% UGANDA finished at the beginning of September, at which time more than 400km of the railway corridor had been constructed. This means Kampala that the project is running ahead of schedule. Malaba KENYA Nakuru

Entebbe SOMALIA Yu Xiangdong, a project manager from the China Communications Kisumu Construction Company - the parent company of China Road and NAIROBI

Bridge Corporation (CRBR) - explains that construction of the New Standard Mwanza Gauge Line stations, railway corridor, bridges, underpasses and overpasses has Lamu been divided into sections, each with its own construction camp. TANZANIA Voi Mombasa Tracklaying between Nairobi and Mombasa is to begin in November, says Julius Li, CRBC’s external relations and co-operation manager. The first phase will start from Mtito Andei working towards Mombasa, covering the Tsavo area. The second phase will run from Emali to Nairobi. Construction of bridges, culverts and drainage at most stations is almost complete, together with clearing part of the railway corridors.

Freight trains will operate at 80km/h, passenger trains at a maximum of 120km/h. At least 50 locomotives are expected to be imported to run on the line, eight being for passenger trains.

Locomotives for the first phase have docked at the port in Mombasa. Kenya Railway Corporation hopes to have a transaction adviser from an experienced firm in place shortly, to help select a Construction loco on Kenya’s new standard gauge railway private management operator for the line.

MOROCCO MOZAMBIQUE NAMIBIA HIGH-SPEED BEIRA-ZAMBIA EXPRESS FREIGHT TRANSNAMIB BUYS SERVICE CENTRE 90 TANKCARS INAUGURATED According to Agençia de Informaçao de Moçambique in Maputo, new fast goods trains According to TransNamib During a visit to Tangier have been introduced from Zambia to the port acting CEO Hippy Tjivikua, late in September, French of Beira via Zimbabwe, covering a distance an agreement signed in president Francois Hollande of over 1,000km. The report quotes Candido late September with China and Morocco’s King Jone, executive director of the central division Railway Materials (CRM) of Mohammed VI inaugurated of the Mozambican Ports and Rail Company, Hong Kong is an important a service centre for trains Caminhos de ferro do Moçambique (CFM). Jone milestone in a 10-year of the future Tangiers- says the first train, comprising 20 container agreement with Dundee Casablanca high-speed wagons, took two days from Zambia to Beira. Precious Metal Tsumeb. In line, which is to cost The trains will stop en route only to change crew terms of this, the railway is approximately $US4 billion. or locomotives. to buy 90 tankcars for the The first train for the new transport of sulphuric acid line was delivered by the According to CFM chairman Victor Gomes, a from Tsumeb to Arandis. French group Alstom study conducted recently by the Southern Africa in June. The Tangier- Railways Association (Sara) pointed to the need The tankcars will comply Casablanca high-speed rail to reactivate a total of 11 “corridors” and initially with specifications provided line will be the first on the selected eight, the first being that to the port of by Dundee Precious Metals continent of Africa. Beira. Essentially, he said, the aim is a return of Tsumeb. The acquisition the cargo traditionally carried by railways, such follows a previous purchase Tangier hosts the biggest as fertilisers on the trains leaving the port of by TransNamib of tankcars car factory of French firm Beira and copper on those arriving from Zambia. from CRM. Renault in North Africa At a technical meeting in Beira, Mozambique’s and Tanger-Med Port, one CFM, the National Railways of Zimbabwe and CRM chairman Hu of the largest ports on the Zambia Railways Limited discussed issues Zhengyong expressed Mediterranean and in Africa. including railway safety, handling and cargo satisfaction with his transport time, including rolling stock such as company’s relationship with locomotives and freight wagons. TransNamib.

12 www.railwaysafrica.com © ALSTOM 2015 © ALSTOM

Citadis tramway A new passenger experience With a 15-year pedigree in tramways, Alstom presents the latest evolution of Citadis. Its spacious design, with double doors all along the vehicle, a wider central aisle, much larger windows, improved power supply and optimised information system mean a higher degree of passenger comfort and operating performance to meet today’s demands for smarter mobility solutions. With Alstom, designing  uidity becomes a reality.

www.alstom.com

-IND-AP Alstom-Pub Citadis-210x297-UK-V2.indd 1 13/05/2015 17:21 AFRICA UPDATE RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015

ANGOLA NAMIBIA: N$4 BILLION FOR TRANSNAMIB UPGRADE To Cassinga Earlier in 2015, TransNamib chairman Pieter Oosthuizen spelled Oshikango Oshakati out the realities of the situation at TransNamib, emphasising that Ondangwa an amount of N$9 billion was needed to refurbish the country’s To dilapidated railway. Works and transport minister, Alpheus Katima Mulilo Oshivelo Naruseb, recently announced that the government has set Tsumeb aside N$4 billion for the railway. This will be used to rebuild the Grootfontein Otavi line from Kranzberg to Tsumeb. Naruseb said a special cabinet Outjo committee is looking into the situation with regard to state affairs Otjiwarongo at TransNamib and progress has been made.

Okahandja SIX NEW LOCOS FOR TRANSNAMIB Usakos Kranzberg WINDHOEK Gobabis Swakopmund Six new C23EMP diesel-electric Walvis Bay Rehoboth locomotives are to be delivered to TransNamib within 20 months in terms of a contract signed on 11 September in Windhoek by GE NAMIBIA Mariental A Transportation Africa president

T and CEO Thomas Konditi and

L

BOTSWANA TransNamib acting CEO Hippy A

N Tijvikua. The contract is worth T $US22.7 million. I Thomas Konditi, GE Transportation C Lüderitz Keetmanshoop Kolmanskop Africa President and Hippy Tijvikua, Seeheim Seeheim North O Acting CEO of TransNamib. The locomotives are to haul C Photo: TransNamib sulphuric acid from Tsumeb to E Bogenfels A Karasburg Arandis in terms of a 10-year deal N Nakop awarded by Dundee Precious To Oranjemund Upington Metals. SOUTH AFRICA Register online to access this publication in it’s N digital format and get access to weekly news. 0 250 km www.railwaysafrica.com/register

NIGERIA THAT LOAN FROM CHINA

Recent reports in Nigeria suggested that a loan of He had also obtained the approval of the National between $US600 million and $1 billion from China Assembly for the loan. was “diverted”, and President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that an investigation be carried out. Chairman The contract was signed in October 2006 and the of the rail work group of the Nigerian economic summit Chinese contractor immediately started work in Rowland Ataguba sheds more light on the matter. November, 2006. Obasanjo left in May 2007, without making the stipulated down payment of about $2bn to The Lagos-Kano modernisation project, he explains, the contractor. He paid only $250m and asked that the was to have been completed in 2010 but not even 20% balance be obtained from the China Exim Bank loan. is finished yet. According to former minister of finance Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the loan was in respect of President Yar’Adua set up a ministerial committee the Lagos-Ibadan rail line and not Lagos-Kano, which co-chaired by Mrs Allison-Madueke (minister of was not among the projects listed for funding from the transport) and Usman Shamsudeen (minister of China Exim Bank. finance) to investigate the contract, and Yar’Adua seriously considered its cancellation. He was mindful This is not correct, Ataguba says. Lagos-Ibadan is however of the formidable cost of contract default and actually Phase II of the Lagos-Kano project. Abuja- the implications for diplomatic relations with China. Kaduna is Phase I. The Lagos-Kano contract was In the meantime, with no payment forthcoming, work awarded in 2006 by the Obasanjo government for stopped and the contractor ran into problems in China. $8.3bn. It was to be funded with a $2.5bn soft loan from the China Exim Bank and the rest from the excess Eventually, rehabilitation of the Lagos-Kano narrow crude account which, at the time, contained about gauge was completed in December 2012 while Port- $50bn. Obasanjo had secured the agreement of the Harcourt to Gombe was reportedly completed in three tiers of government for this funding arrangement. January 2015, but the scope of the contracts had

14 www.railwaysafrica.com 5-2015 RAILWAYS AFRICA AFRICA UPDATE

omitted a critical part of the infrastructure - the of $500m. This is the $1bn Chinese loan that is now passing loops. in dispute. Phase I (Abuja-Kaduna) was constructed at $874m, funded with $500m of the China Exim It was resolved that the contract would proceed in Bank loan, with the federal government making up phases with Kaduna-Abuja as Phase I, Lagos-Ibadan as the balance. Phase II, Ibadan-Ilorin as Phase III, Ilorin-Minna as Phase IV, Minna-Kano and Minna-Abuja as Phase V. Clearly the As only $500m of the original $2.5bn China Exim Bank project could cost more than the $8.3bn contracted loan has been used for the Lagos-Kano modernisation in 2006 and take longer than four years. Indeed, project, it is anybody’s guess, Ataguba says, where the Phase II from Kaduna-Abuja was only completed in balance is. There were appropriations for the Lagos- December 2014. Phase II from Lagos to Ibadan was to Ibadan section in the budgets of 2012, 2013 and 2014, be built in 2012 for $1.5bn but construction has not yet totalling N13bn but this has not started. While the commenced. The then Minister of Transport, Idris Umar, Lagos-Kano project was floundering, supposedly due said in 2012 that Lagos-Ibadan would be completed in to lack of funding, the Jonathan government entered 2015, being funded with $1bn of the China Exim Bank into another agreement - for $12bn - for the coastal loan, with the federal government footing the balance railway from Lagos through Port Harcourt to Calabar.

NIGERIAN RAILWAY PENSIONERS

The Pension Transition Arrangement Committee (PTAD) is currently overseeing payment of Nigeria’s railway pensioner’s benefit in terms of the defined benefit scheme. According to the union, an amount was transferred by the management of Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) to the federation account without the consent of its members. At a recent national executive council meeting held in Ibadan, the union alleged that the decision of NRC management to transfer the said fund to the federation account was predicated on a “secret agenda” to eventually transfer the pension money into the railway management account so as to achieve direct control. In a statement signed by its national chairman Alhaji Abdulkadir Bida and general secretary Alhaji Rafiu Enesi Balogun, the union said the action of the NRC management was in disregard of outstanding pension liabilities. This “clearly demonstrated” lack of commitment to the pensioners’ welfare despite evidence that NRC pensioners are among the least paid in with the directive of Head of Civil Service of the the country. Federation based on the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2004 and 2014. The national executive council, according to Burda, strongly condemns the action of NRC management The union “strongly appealed” to the Accountant- and resolved that the NRC should implement without General of the Federation (AGF) to personally ensure further delay the decision of the pension board of that the N3.5 billion is transferred to PTAD so that the trustees that all liabilities and assets of the NRC fund can be used to address part of NRC’s pension pension unit be handed over to PTAD in compliance liabilities.

RWANDA RWANDA SENDS ENGINEERS TO KENYA

Rwanda has sent 10 engineers, technicians and artisans to train in Kenya. They will be directly involved in the technical works and details of railway construction for four weeks, acquiring the skills required when construction starts in Rwanda. “We want to avoid a situation where foreign construction firms working on the railway reach Kigali and complain there are no local skilled engineers and technicians,” Rwanda’s ministry of infrastructure Jules Ndenga explains. Studies on the link between Kampala and Kigali are expected to be finalised later in 2015. Work on the line is expected to start within two years. The Rwandan government has embarked on a capacity building programme to prepare local engineers to take up major technical positions when construction begins. The construction cost of the railway to Rwanda is estimated at $US1.2 billion.

www.railwaysafrica.com 15 AFRICA UPDATE RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015

TUNISIA DIESEL BID

Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Tunisiens (SNCFT - the Tunisian National Railways) is inviting bids by 20

Lake Tanganyika October for 20 metre-gauge Co-Co diesel-electric freight DODOMA locomotives. They are to be used hauling phosphate in the south of the country. Single suppliers or consortia can tender, and though financing the deal is not critical, bids can include offers. ZIMBABWE

Chingola AFRICA 2016 - GARRATTS TO Lake Malawi Copperbelt VICTORIA FALLS

The 2016 Geoff’s Trains tours to Zimbabwe tour will Kafue River Zambezi River Cabora Bassa Lumbo feature the NRZ premier class sleeper coaches used in 2015, including the twin dining car/lounge.

On Sunday 8 May 2016, it is expected that the National TAZARA Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) will run a Mother’s Day MUNUNGA QUARRY TO BE REINSTATED steam-hauled special out of Harare, probably to the Ruwa Country Club on the Mutare line. On Monday 9 May, Geoff’s Trains run a steam charter using the class Mununga Quarry in Mpika is to be revamped and put 16A Garratt, goods wagons and one coach, running from back in full production. This will help the Tanzania- Harare station through the East End yard to Ruwa and Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) to reduce the back. After lunch, a second charter runs to Lochinvar, to cost of operations and earn income. The quarries the west of the city. In the evening the tour boards the at Mununga and Kaole (in Mbeya) are both owned NRZ premier coaches and leaves Harare for Gweru. by the railway. The two plants are able to produce high quality ballast for railway maintenance while On Tuesday, 10 May, the National Military Museum in aggregates, chippings, boulders, quarry and crusher Gweru and the Dabuka Marshalling yard - the largest dust are produced as by-products and sold to in Zimbabwe and the only hump yard - are visited. It the public. is planned to spend most of 11 May travelling between Mbalabala and Heany Junction, using the class 14A Due to obsolete machinery, the Mununga Quarry Garratt. A diesel-electric locomotive will provide traction has been producing less than the railway requires, between run past locations, but will be moved clear resulting in the purchase of quarry products from for photographs. The Mbalabala to Heany Junction line other suppliers. proved popular in 2015. On Thursday 11 May, the railway museum at Bulawayo will be visited. Depart Bulawayo Transport, works and supply deputy minister James behind a class 15A 4-6-4+4-6-4 Garratt on Friday 13 Kapyanga says the Mununga Quarry is currently May and run though the Hwange Game Reserve to Dete, being reinstated. The Mununga and Kaole plants with run pasts throughout the day. On Saturday 14 May have the capacity to produce more than 2,000 the tour continues across the Lukosi River to Thomson tonnes of quarry products per hour each. Junction (TJ). Sunday 15 May includes the usual steam charter with the class 15A Garratt through Zimbabwe’s only tunnel to New Hwange then back to TJ via the old main line, providing some of the best photo locations in the country.

Monday 16 May will be spent at the Hwange Colliery, which owns three class 15A Garratts, though these are out of service.

It is planned to visit the colliery either to photograph a hired Garratt in action, or to request that the tour of class 15A be used for some re-enactments around the washing plant.

Later, participants will journey from Thomson Junction to the Zanguja horseshoe curves in time for good afternoon light. On Tuesday 17 May, the tour heads for Victoria Falls, Mbeya station (Wikipedia). stopping at many great photo locations. Two nights are spent at the falls, with a number of daylight excursions to the bridge, both on the Zimbabwe and Zambian sides. The tour ends on Thursday 19 May.

For more information – www.geoffs-trains.com 16 www.railwaysafrica.com AFRICA UPDATE

Technology leader Maximized customer benefit

Turnout system solutions for Africa and the rest of the world

voestalpine VAE SA (Pty) Ltd 23 Anvil Road, Isando 1600, South Africa Tel: +27 11 928 3700, Fax +27 11 928 3910 [email protected] www.voestalpine.com/vaesa PERWAY MAINTENANCE RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015 WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN SELECTING THE RIGHT TAMPING MACHINE FOR THE JOB AT HAND 1. INTRODUCTION 3.1.1. Lifting and aligning units for Selecting the right machine for the particular track with plain track tamping machines regards to traffic, length, axle loading, number of turnouts, Plain track tamping machines have a lifting and aligning checked rail sections, splice joints, restricted track, etc, has unit with double roller clamps to grip the rail under the become quite a science due to the very large variety of crown for high speed lifting and two flanged rollers which machines and their various features. To do so one needs to run on the rail crown to transfer the lateral force to the have a good understanding of the machine types available, track for alignment. See Figure 3. their components and functions in order to select the most cost-effective solution. The positioning of two roller clamps per rail means that the application - even on fish-plated joints - is automatically 2. A SPECIALISED TAMPING MACHINE secured. The lifting and aligning operation is controlled FOR EVERY APPLICATION automatically by the measuring systems. As soon as the Tamping machines can be classified as either plain track target values are reached, lifting and aligning operations tamping machines specialised for high production on the are automatically cut out while the track is held in the open line such as the 09-3X (Figure 1) or universal tamping correct position. machines specialised for tamping of track in turnouts, crossings, around splice joints, checked rail sections and other restricted track (Figure 2). Universal tamping machines are equally capable of tamping plain track and would provide the same quality and production on plain track as a similar size plain track tamping machine. Plain track tamping machines can however not tamp turnouts. A further classification would be the design production capabilities of the machines. Figure 3: A typical lifting and Figure 4: Specialised lifting and The classification of plain track or universal and low, aligning unit found on plain track aligning unit found on universal medium or high production is dependent on the design tamping machines. tamping machines. features of the machine. 3.1.2. Lifting and aligning units for universal tamping machines Because universal tamping machines are designed for tamping around areas of restricted track, their lifting and aligning units (Figure 4) have special features such as:

• lifting hooks which grip the rail under the crown or base for lifting in restricted track such as turnouts, Figure 1: 09-3X Continuous action plain track tamping machine. checked rails, splice joints, etc; • roller clamps for high speed lifting during plain track tamping; and • either one or two flanged rollers which run on the rail crown to transfer the lateral force to the track for horizontal alignment.

3.2. Measuring system A fully automatic measuring system determines the Figure 2: Unimat 08-475 4S universal tamping machine. relative difference in the vertical and horizontal positions of the track at a centre measuring trolley [Figure 5 item 1 – Rear measuring trolley 5 – Centre measuring trolley (i)] between two reference points, the front (ii) and rear 2 – Satellite (continuous action) 6 – Lifting and lining unit (iii) measuring trolleys. This system for tamping and 3 – Tamping unit frame 7 – Front measuring trolley geometry correction is called the compensation method. 4 – Tamping unit/s 8 – Third rail lifting device The relative vertical alignment of the track is established with the use of a steel cord above each rail (iv), extended 3. TAMPING MACHINE COMPONENTS AND FEATURES from the rear to the front measuring trolleys. The reference The following are features that must be considered when line for relative horizontal alignment is a steel cord (v), a machine is specified in a tender, and these features must extended along the centre of the track. be aligned with the traffic and line conditions where the machine will be working.

3.1. Lifting and aligning unit Tamping machines are equipped with a combined lifting and aligning unit mounted in front of the tamping units between the bogies. There are various designs but they can generally be divided between lifting and aligning units for universal tamping machines and those for plain track tamping machines. Figure 5: Location of measuring system components (08-16 SH universal tamping machine illustrated).

18 www.railwaysafrica.com 5-2015 RAILWAYS AFRICA PERWAY MAINTENANCE

The measuring system works together with the lifting moves forward, the lifting and aligning wires are adjusted and aligning unit. It lifts the track to a uniform height, via remote control (or automatically with laser systems) removing any vertical defects (Figure 6) in the process and so that the reticule of the viewfinder is lined up with the simultaneously slews the track to correct any horizontal marks on the target board. defects (Figure 7), leaving a uniform, level track behind.

Figure 6: Vertical alignment defects. Figure 7: Horizontal alignment defects. To ensure a residual lift after tamping, research has shown that the minimum pre-set lift should be around 20mm, providing enough space under the sleepers to rearrange the ballast stones. This will however depend on the ballast stone size; the larger the ballast envelope, the higher the minimum pre-set lift will be. Where a vertical alignment defect is encountered, the measuring system will detect the relative vertical difference in height and lift the track by the pre-set height as well as the depth of the vertical alignment defect (also referred to as a slack). (Figure 8). Figure 10: Laser guiding system. Horizontal alignment defects are corrected at the same time and work on very much the same concept. This effectively lengthens the chord length to the distance between the rear measuring trolley of the machine and the position of the mobile trolley. This provides the utmost accuracy in the vertical and horizontal alignment of tangent (straight) track and is referred to as the precision method.

The measuring system can be supplemented with a computer-based system (for example the WIN-ALC system) which can be used to measure the track and for automatic calculations and/or setting of the offsets in curves. Especially on curves, the ALC avoids the time- consuming and potentially inaccurate measuring of the curve by hand. It also avoids the resulting alignment errors Figure 8: The lifting principle using the three measuring trolleys associated with hand measuring of curves and manual adjustment of the correction values on the machine. However, defects which are shorter than the chord length between the front and rear measuring trolleys of the 3.3. Third-rail lifting device tamping machine can be corrected successfully. However, Modern universal tamping machines are fitted with a if the defects are longer than the chord length, the hydraulically operated, telescopic third-rail lifting system machine will follow these defects without removing them. on either side of the machine [Figure 2 item (8) and Figure 11], which is synchronised with the combined lifting and aligning unit. This clamp assembly provides controlled lift of the outside turnout rail (the curved closure rail) in the area of long sleepers during turnout tamping operations and eliminates the need for cumbersome, manually-placed track jacks, hydraulic hose reels and the related labour and maintenance costs.

Figure 9: The use of optical (as illustrated) or laser equipment to permit removal of long wave defects

Tamping machines of high quality therefore use optical (Figure 9) or laser equipment (Figure 10), mounted on a mobile trolley which is moved 100 to 150 metres ahead Figure 11: Third rail lifting device. of the tamping machine, depending on geography and other conditions. The tamping machine is guided by a straight line which is aimed at a target board on the front measuring trolley (see Figure 9). When the machine

www.railwaysafrica.com 19 PERWAY MAINTENANCE RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015

The standard two-point lift on the long sleepers of a turnout If necessary, multiple sleeper units can be switched to leads to overstressing and damage to the rail fastenings single sleeper tamping where sleepers out of square or due to the weight of the long sleeper, the added weight of poor sleeper spacing or restricted track are encountered. the turnout rails, as well as the turning moment caused by the long sleeper being lifted at one end. The entire load is 3.4.2. Specialised turnout tamping units carried by the fastenings of the two rails (see Figure 12). In turnouts where track is restricted, some of the tines may hit an obstruction such as the switch blade or curved closure rail of the turnout portion. This problem is addressed through the use of split tamping units.

Split tamping units are in principle longitudinally divided in two (field side and gauge side), and can be raised and lowered individually for unparalleled versatility (vertical Figure 12: Without three-rail lifting. Figure 13: With three rail lifting. split). See Figure 15. An additional synchronised lift on the outside rail of the turnout distributes the weight of the sleeper and rails across three lifting points and eliminates the turning moment which reduces the lifting force at the middle rail by almost half (see Figure 13). Third-rail lifting devices are therefore essential to tamp turnouts effectively.

3.4. Tamping units Due to the variety of requirements for tamping, such as production capabilities, specialised units for tamping turnouts etc, a large variety of tamping unit designs are available to fulfil these specialised requirements. The following are features that set the different tamping units apart:

3.4.1. Number of sleepers tamped per cycle Figure 15: The use of split units to avoid tines hitting obstructions. The number of sleepers that are tamped per cycle (insertion) determines the production capability of the Each one of the total of four units can be lowered and put machine. Single sleeper tamping machines are still very into action separately from the other. Furthermore, some common since high production is not always required and split units can individually be displaced laterally as well a lower production at a lower machine price, though higher (horizon split) to find the best area in the restricted track unit costs, can be preferred. to enter the ballast. The split units can be locked together, in which case they will act like conventional plain track High production machines are extremely cost-effective tamping units. when their capacity is optimised, especially on high density lines. The fewer number of occupations required The units can also be displaced laterally on horizontal to maintain the tamping cycle required for the traffic guide columns so that the tamping tools are centred throughput may bring about higher income to the railway exactly over the area to be tamped. when the opportunity cost of traffic is considered. In other words, if fewer occupations are required to tamp the track, 3.5. Auxiliary satellite frame for more trains can be running, resulting in more income for continuous action tamping the railway. A conventional tamping machine must move from sleeper to sleeper for the tamping operation. The machine must therefore accelerate and brake again between tamping insertions and is referred to as index tamping. Though this principle is still used on many modern tamping machines, its production capability is limited by acceleration and braking limitations. The limit for index tamping using a two-sleeper tamping machine is around 33 sleepers per minute. Therefore, only lower production, lower cost and specialised tamping machines use index tamping.

To increase tamping production rates, continuous action Single Sleeper. Two Sleeper. tamping was developed whereby the tamping units are mounted to an auxiliary satellite frame which runs on its own axle/s, separate from the main frame. This principle is common on high production tamping machines used on most high capacity lines around the world. Continuous action tamping allows continuous motion of the main frame while the cyclic braking and acceleration for the tamping action is performed by the auxiliary frame. Only around 20% of the machine mass must therefore be braked and accelerated. Three Sleeper. Four Sleeper.

Figure 14: Examples of tamping unit layouts.

20 www.railwaysafrica.com 5-2015 RAILWAYS AFRICA PERWAY MAINTENANCE

Tamping machines with different wheelbases were then used to lift the rail, the rail stress established and the results plotted.

The graph clearly shows that tamping machines with a six-metre wheelbase cannot lift more than approximately 40mm before the maximum rail stress is exceeded, due to the bending radius of the rail. Considering that the minimum maintenance lift by a tamping machine is already around 20mm, a six-metre wheelbase machine will not be Figure 16: The tamping units are mounted to a separate frame on able to even lift out a vertical alignment defect exceeding continuous action tamping machines. 20mm in one pass without overstressing the rail and creating a potential future rail break. This machine will When this principle is combined with multiple sleepers therefore not be appropriate for heavy haul lines where a tamped per insertion, very high tamping rates are possible. larger ballast stone is used. The 09-3X tamps three sleepers per insertion and achieves very good results in South Africa. For this and other reasons such as weight, smaller machines are not able to lift turnouts sufficiently, especially The continuous action principle is available on universal those on concrete sleepers. They should therefore not tamping machines as well as providing utmost production even be considered, because not only will they damage on both turnouts and plain track. These machines combine this expensive track component but will also be unable to continuous action tamping with up to two-sleeper split correct the geometry. tamping units and integrated dynamic stabilisation combined in one machine. The DYNA-CAT (Figure 17) 3.7. Dynamic track stabilisation is a good example of one such machine and is a very productive machine in South Africa. Dynamic track stabilisation can be a feature or component of the machine where it is an integrated part of the machine such as the Dyna-CAT or it can be a stand-alone machine where stabilising is integrated in the process.

Stabilisation is even more important after ballast cleaning, to avoid speed restrictions that are normally imposed to allow the track to settle and increase its resistance to lateral displacement before the line can be opened at normal track speed. This settlement is normally irregular and requires re-tamping soon after.

The dynamic stabilising machine sets the track in horizontal oscillation while applying a controlled Figure 17: DYNA-CAT Universal tamping machine. static vertical load (Figure 19). In this way the track is actually “rubbed” into the ballast which settles in a 3.6. Wheelbase dense homogenous matrix of which the resistance to Wheelbase refers to the distance between the centre of lateral displacement is up to 70% of what it was before the bogies or centre of two single axles of the tamping ballast cleaning. machine. During the tamping process, the track is lifted at the lifting unit by at least 20mm to ensure a residual lift. Where a vertical alignment defect is encountered, the lift increases progressively by the depth of the defect as was illustrated in Figure 8.

The importance of wheelbase is illustrated in Figure 18, which shows the maximum rail stress (EN-standard limit) vs the lift applied by the machine at the lifting unit on tangent track with UIC60 rails and concrete sleepers.

Figure 19: Stabilising units located between the bogies. Independent studies have shown that the stabilising machine increases the durability of the geometry after tamping by up to 30%, thereby reducing interruptions to income-generating traffic and damage to track material.

Today dynamic track stabilising is an integral part of Figure 18: Maximum rail stress versus lift applied by tamping machine tamping and ballast cleaning on nearly all high capacity railway lines around the world.

www.railwaysafrica.com 21 SPOTLIGHT: SOUTH AFRICA RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015

Spotlight South Africa

MOLEFE & SINGH TRANSPORT MINISTER LAUNCHES NERVE CENTRE APPOINTED PERMANENTLY “Government is serious about uplifting the lives of its people,” The South African Passenger Rail Agency of South cabinet has approved Africa (Prasa) acting CEO Nathi the permanent Khena said at the launch of the appointment of new Gauteng Nerve Centre by Brian Molefe as chief Transport Minister Dipuo Peters. executive of Eskom. It is hoped to commission the He has been acting centre by the beginning of 2016. in this position since Minister Peters said she was March 2015. Anoj impressed with the facility which Photo: GAPP architects Singh has been ensures communication with appointed Eskom’s commuters regarding interruptions to train services. In addition it will monitor stations via chief financial officer, closed circuit television, and enable the controllers to spot criminal activity. he held a similar post at Transnet. Minister “I am happy about the integrated communication centre which means the people at the of Public Enterprises stations will be informed on what is happening because the centre would have picked up Lynne Brown says a challenge that is there, but also in terms of intervention for correction or attending to she has begun the the challenge that also for me is very important,” the minister said. The new system, she process of filling both added, will be a great benefit to train drivers who will no longer need to use cellphones positions at Transnet. to communicate with the controllers. The centre aims to address challenges facing Prasa as a result of infrastructure and technology reaching the end of its designed lifespan, giving rise to poor levels of reliability and predictability.

Similar control centres are planned for Durban and the Western Cape, at a later stage.

Web Grinder THERMITREX (PTY) LTD Disc Cutter Safe, Ergonomic, Reliable and Efficient Hydraulic Tools Shearing Machine Power Unit Thermitrex now offers a wide product range of tools and machines for various applications like Thermit® welding, track construction and maintenance. The hydraulic tools are lightweight, with less vibration and custom designed for comfortable operation. The power units used to drive the hydraulic equipment are David Street . Boksburg-East . 1459 PO Box 6070 . Dunswart . Gauteng . 1508 . RSA easily transportable by one or two people and operate in gas or diesel. Tel +2711 914-2540/6

The expanded product range also covers the following portfolios: [email protected] www.thermitrex.co.za RAIL JOINING RAIL SERVICES MEASUREMENT TOOLS & MACHINES EQUIPMENT Profile Grinder

22 www.railwaysafrica.com 5-2015 RAILWAYS AFRICA SPOTLIGHT: SOUTH AFRICA

TRANSNET DIAZ EXPRESS FREIGHT RAIL – TOP EMPLOYER The Diaz Express is an enterprising tourist operation which uses the existing Transnet rail system in the Mossel Bay area. Sightseeing journeys are run from Hartenbos to According to the Top Mossel Bay and to Great Brak River in three Wickham railcars. Two are ex Spoornet/ Employers Institute, TFR, while the third is ex-Zimbabwe type 40, leased from a private owner. All “Our comprehensive excursions feature views over the Indian Ocean (with a ringside seat for whale- research concluded watching during the season), river estuaries and indigenous plant life. that Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) provides an outstanding employment environment and offers a wide range of creative initiatives, from secondary benefits and working conditions, to performance- management programmes that are Diaz Express: Wickham railcars well-thought-out and truly aligned with MONTANA TRANSNET’S GAMA ON BRANCH LINES the culture of their CHALLENGES PP company.” Accordingly, REPORT Transnet says it is spending nearly R5 billion on TFR has been officially revitalising branch lines. Current government certified as one of Passenger Rail Agency of strategy, says acting CEO Siyabonga Gama, identifies South Africa’s top South Africa (Prasa) former the transport sector as one of the significant drivers employers for the CEO Lucky Montana has asked of the economy, since transport plays a critical role year 2016. the High Court in a 57-page in enabling mobility and access to economic and affidavit to review and set social activities. Branch lines, constituting nearly Acting chief executive aside the public protector’s 40% of Transnet Freight Rail’s (TFR) route network, Ravi Nair is delighted. report entitled “Derailed”. have been neglected for a long time. Almost half are “This achievement,” The public protector, Prasa closed or see no service. Funding remains the key risk he says “is proof of and the minister of transport factor, but it is generally accepted that private sector our collaborative are listed as first, second and investment needs to play an important role. Nearly efforts over the years third respondents. Montana 50% - some 7,300km - of the branch line network to not only deliver said he did not have access is active, serving customers as feeder lines into the freight reliably but to all the documents and greater TFR system. Branch lines generally are being also transform our information she relied upon. revitalised to reinvigorate economic activity in small culture in creating good This prejudiced his ability to and rural areas and to continue serving customers in working conditions for challenge the report’s “factual the business units integral to the Transnet’s Market our employees. We inaccuracies”. Demand Strategy (MDS). During the past three years are close to achieving of the MDS, Gama says, more than R400 million was our Market Demand Montana contends that the spent to keep these lines operational. Branch lines, he Strategy goals and public protector wrongfully asserts, remain important for economic development, becoming one of applied legal status to Prasa’s particularly of rural areas and small towns in the the top five railway supply chain management country. Reopening and operating closed lines operators in the world”. policy. This renders her sustainably requires different strategic, funding and conclusion “unconstitutional, operating models to that of main lines. unlawful and invalid.” Continues on Page 26

Web Grinder THERMITREX (PTY) LTD Disc Cutter Safe, Ergonomic, Reliable and Efficient Hydraulic Tools Shearing Machine Power Unit Thermitrex now offers a wide product range of tools and machines for various applications like Thermit® welding, track construction and maintenance. The hydraulic tools are lightweight, with less vibration and custom designed for comfortable operation. The power units used to drive the hydraulic equipment are David Street . Boksburg-East . 1459 PO Box 6070 . Dunswart . Gauteng . 1508 . RSA easily transportable by one or two people and operate in gas or diesel. Tel +2711 914-2540/6

The expanded product range also covers the following portfolios: [email protected] www.thermitrex.co.za RAIL JOINING RAIL SERVICES MEASUREMENT TOOLS & MACHINES EQUIPMENT Profile Grinder

www.railwaysafrica.com 23 SPOTLIGHT: SOUTH AFRICA RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015

Continued from Page 25 "Transnet's Gama on Branch Lines" In the course of the past two decades, TRANSNET South Africa has undergone a measurable TREADS WARILY shift of freight cargo and passengers from rail to road due largely to under- In the wake of the investment in rail infrastructure. Road 16% drop in the transport conglomerates, operating large value of the Rand truck fleets, carry most of South African this year, Transnet goods today. Of 693 million tons of inland is treading warily. freight moved in 2003, 74% went by road According to acting and 26% by rail. ln 2011, road transport Reviving many closed South African branchlines is chief executive officer moved 88.8% of freight; rail moved only going to be a challenge. Photo: Jacque Wepener. Siyabonga Gama, 11.2%. Airfreight carried 350,000 tons. the parastatal will be ln November 2010, TFR told parliament favouring funding for Revitalising branch lines could assist in that over 100 private sector companies expansion from local reclaiming ground lost to road freight, had applied for concessions to operate investors, avoiding given that an advanced logistics 3,255km of branch lines in South Africa. offshore sources for network is the backbone of industrial Over a third of the closed lines (1,2O2km) the moment. It intends development and makes it attractive are in the Eastern Cape and 563km in the raising R10.5 billion to foreign investment as well as Free State. in debt including globally competitive. bonds before the Gama believes that though branch 31 March end of the The railway, which carries about lines are currently a relatively under- 2016 financial year. 180 million tons of cargo annually, is utilised part of the country’s transport Since 1 April 2015, divided into primary (high-density) and infrastructure, it is expected that their R17.3 billion has been secondary (low-density) networks. revitalisation could unlock economic obtained. The dismal potential of both the country and region. performance of the Rand, meanwhile, has not increased the cost Klinkhamer’s of repaying existing historic foreign debt – this is trainshed, today. fully hedged.

Transnet is considering up to R200 billion in cuts to its capital expansion plans over the next three years, as the global demand for iron ore and coal stalls. The utility, four years into a seven-year plan to spend R336.6 In its original billion expanding setting: railways, pipelines and Klinkhamer’s ports, has decided to trainshed at cut projects that are Park station in the 1930s. not sure to generate revenue. Capital The trainshed spending over the next at Esselen Park; three years in terms training for of the plan is likely to signalmen. drop between R100 KLINKHAMER’S PARK STATION billion and R150 billion because demand for Between 1896 and 1897, the railway training college new home at Sandstone iron ore is falling and a magnificent steel at Esselen Park. In 1995, it Estates in the Eastern Free volumes being shipped structure was fabricated was moved gain, this time State might be next on are not matching in Rotterdam, Holland, to to Newtown, where it was the itinerary of this very with the capital the design of one Jacob to form the nucleus of a historic structure – all that expenditure. However, Klinkhamer. It was sent “world class” transport is needed is a generous plans to expand the out to South Africa and museum. For 20 years it donation to cover the coal and manganese erected as Johannesburg’s has stood at Newtown, costs of transport and lines will not be main station. When empty and unused. Now re-erection – and whatever affected. Transnet the new station was a housing development Transnet wants for it. spokesperson Mboniso completed in 1952, is going up around it There don’t seem to be Sigonyela said capital Klinkhamer’s structure was and Transnet appears many alternatives, other expenditure plans are dismantled and moved to to have lost interest. A than the scrapyards. unchanged.

24 www.railwaysafrica.com PROVEN TECHNOLOGY the efficiency of rail freight transport in South Africa. low maintenance costs. They willnow contribute to increasing excellent traction capabilities,energy efficiency, availability as wellas meet thehighexpectations ofEuropean operators interms ofreliability, technology. TRAXX locomotives powered by AC, DCanddieselalready has specificallybeendesigned for the country, whilebasedonproven The BOMBARDIERTRAXX Multi-System locomotive for SouthAfrica www.bombardier.com ON TRACKS

BOMBARDIER, The evolution of mobility and TRAXX are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries. SPOTLIGHT: SOUTH AFRICA RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015

GAUTRAIN AUGMENTS SERVICE GAUTRAIN AT MODDERFONTEIN For the duration of the Sandton ecomobility event during October, Gautrain services were augmented. Two eight-coach trainsets were The first phase of a residential introduced from 05:56 from Hatfield and at 07:26 from Hatfield to Park development has been launched station in Johannesburg. The afternoon peak started about 40 minutes at Modderfontein New City, north- earlier than usual, from about 14:45. There were 10-minute headways. east of Johannesburg. The 1,600 Between 16 and 30 express buses operated from Montecasino and hectare site was acquired by between 10 to 12 express bus services from Brightwater Commons. The Hong Kong property developer Sandton CBD was closed off to private vehicles and motorists were urged Shanghai Zendai from AECI in 2013. to use public transport and other non-motorised forms like walking and South African chief executive of cycling. Zendai Development SA Anthony Diepenbroek says more than R400 Gautrain reported a passenger increase of 7.7%, with 60,120 passengers on million has been spent on roads, the first Monday in the month, compared to the normal average of around electrical, water and sewerage 55,800. Gautrain buses carried 512 more passengers. infrastructure in 12 months. A 200- bed hospital is almost complete and a Gautrain station is being planned. Zendai Development SA had to build the proposed station at their own cost. He said the platform and underpasses were built at a cost of R55 million in terms of an agreement with the Gautrain Management Agency that the developer would build the station.

GAUTRAIN ANNOUNCEMENTS IMPRESS

A blind traveller, complimenting Gautrain on the ease with which those who are sight-impaired are able to use the system, was Photo: Gautrain Management Agency. especially impressed with the clear public address announcements. “As a blind person, you really get to PRASA INVITES TRANSNET LOOKS BEYOND notice how bad the sound quality of TENDERS SOUTH AFRICA public address systems can be.”

Prasa tenders advertised: A new division, Transnet International Holdings, is being set up to actively pursue business • Tender HO/PT/ beyond South Africa’s borders, including the DM/0096/09/2015 Middle East. By 2025, it is hoped to have 25% - Manufacture and of group revenue sourced internationally, supply 48kg/m rail compared with about 4% at present. The for the Braamfontein concern has current operating interests, and Salt River mostly rail-related, in Mozambique, Botswana, Depots and Zimbabwe and Zambia. It aims to expand and 120km/h project. share its expertise in ports and pipelines. Photo: Christopher Venter, • Tender HO/PT/ www.blindscooterguy.wordpress.com DM/0097/09/2015 - Manufacture and BACK TO RAIL: BUSINESS BREAKFAST supply of 48kg/m, 57kg/m and 60kg/m Ravi Nair, acting CEO at Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), who was previously general turnouts for the manager of TFR’s steel & cement division, provided an update on TFR’s “Back to Braamfontein and Rail” strategy at a business breakfast held at the Sunnyside Park Hotel on 27 October. Salt River Depots He provided feedback on Transnet’s rail infrastructure implementation in support and 120km/h project. of its Market Demand Strategy and explained its nature, extent and timelines. Dr Dinesh Kumar, an associate director with KPMG Services, Johannesburg, South The 120km/h project Africa and regional country leader for supply chain and procurement practices, is aimed at raising the looked at opportunities for integrating rail transport into the supply chain. Cobus current prescribed limit Rossouw, chief business development officer at Imperial Logistics, responsible for of 90km/h (100 on the multimodal collaboration between Imperial Logistics and Transnet. This initiative certain sections). brought together TFR’s efficiency in long-haul rail transport with Imperial Logistics’ road freight logistics, distribution and end-to-end value chain management expertise.

26 www.railwaysafrica.com SPOTLIGHT: SOUTH AFRICA

TRANSNET FREIGHT RAIL AUCTION

The latest auction took place on 17 September. Peter Bagshawe reports:

• Lot 14, Union Express Dining Car 243 was withdrawn from the sale - “Asset closed by owner”. • Eleven of the fifteen lots on offer were sold, the rest not making the reserve.

Lots not sold:

• Lot 3: (2 Cabooses at East London) • Lot 15: (5 Cement Tankers at Saldanha) • Lot 16: (7 Wagons at Middleton) • Lot 17: (1 Wagon at Molteno)

Sale details:

• Lot 1: (32 wagons at Komatipoort TSB Sugar Mill) R730,000 (R1,463/t) • Lot 2: (6 wagons at Komatipoort) R79,000 (R1,328/t) • Lot 4: (3 class 6E1/8E Locos at Umbilo, Durban) R228,000 (R1,648/t) • Lot 5: (5 10M coaches at Salt River,) R13,800 (R1,213/t) • Lot 6: (1 coach at Waterval Boven) R15,800 (R1,158/t) • Lot 7: (92 wagons at Deal Party, Port Elizabeth) R1,490,000 (R1,309/t) • (R1406/t in Sale 115) • Lot 8: (1 class 8E loco at Capital Park, Pretoria) R150,000 (R2,010/t) • Lot 9: (2 class 7E2/3 locos at Pyramid, Pretoria) R235,000 (R1,845/t) • Lot 10: (3 cement tankers at Brakpan) R91,000 (R1,381/t) • Lot 11: (2 wagons at Mkuze) R25,600 (R771/t) • Lot 12: (9 wagons at Hammanskraal) R172,500 (R1,673/t)

This gives an average of R1,286/t, continuing the trend of lower prices (R1,510/t for Sale 115, and over R2,100/t for the previous two sales).

Two more lots were added during the day:

• Lot 14: One scrap coach no 243 (photos- documentation says 234) (wooden body) being sold with bogies at Voorbaai. The starting price was R9,000 • Lot 15: Five scrap cement tankers being sold without bogies at Saldanha • The documentation shows three type XBJ5 (peaked tank) 18014984/16537/17169 and two XBJ10 (dropped tank) • 18016367/16952, whilst the photos show four type XBJ5 (18014984/16357/16537/17169) and one type XBJ10 (18033253)! Start price R62,400. SPOTLIGHT: SOUTH AFRICA RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015

TFR & PCB CERES LINE REOPENED

In terms of Mainly under the auspices of the Ceres Railway Company, regulations issued the 26km line from Wolseley through Michells Pass to Ceres by the Department and on to Prince Alfred Hamlet has been brought back into of Environmental use. The objective was primarily to move freight, principally Affairs (DEA) in fruit and agricultural produce from Ceres to Cape Town. July 2014, entities The first test train, conveying a load of empty containers, in possession of ran on 3 August 2015. A train of empty passenger vehicles equipment with followed on 20 August. A train of empty containers was polychlorinated operated from Bellville yard to Ceres on 26 August. It biphenyl (PCB) returned fully loaded on 27 August, running direct into concentrations of Cape Town docks. greater than 500 parts per million Another intention is to run tourist excursion passenger were required trains on the branch. Coaches used previously on the Union to remove it Limited tourist train are presently stabled at Voorbaai. The on a planned Ceres Rail Company has acquired a number of these and phase-out basis has moved them to Wolseley. Three steam locomotives for subsequent have been acquired from Voorbaai, too; these are incineration undergoing rehabilitation. and disposal. The regulations The first has had it’s required all PCB boiler hydraulically tested holders to register and has been run in light with the DEA and steam, moving under submit a phase- it’s own power for the out plan. Transnet first time in 11 years. It Freight Rail (TFR) is hoped to introduce used PCB oils and passenger service shortly.

PCB-contaminated Reopened Ceres branch. materials as Map by Bruno Martin. insulation in electrical equipment. The company has registered as a PCB holder and TEMBELA KULU: FEMALE TRAILBLAZER submitted a phase- out plan to the Tembela Kulu (centre) - winner of the 2015 BWASA DEA. Although businesswoman of the year award (government PCBs were never category) – holds a degree from UCT, an manufactured in honours degree in business administration from South Africa, they Stellenbosch, and is studying towards an MBA at were imported for Regent Business School. Currently she is Gauteng use in equipment provincial manager for the Passenger Rail Agency used for electricity of South Africa (Prasa). generation and distribution. A NEW LOUNGE AT DURBAN STATION yellowish viscous liquid with distinct A new air-conditioned lounge for long distance train passengers opened recently at Durban odour, PCBs station. The venue, featuring ample seating and internet access, can accommodate about held remarkable 100 people and has its own toilet, kitchen and information desk facilities. The lounge is thermal stability conveniently situated at the entrance to the platforms. and only broke down at FREE GAUTRAIN temperatures of RIDES FOR KIDS more than 1 000°C. The material was In terms of an arrangement agreed highly resistant to by the Gautrain Management acids, alkalis and Agency and Freedom Park, oxidisers and is pupils from a number of schools insoluble in water. experienced Gautrain travel and a heritage tour of Freedom Park in the course of September and October 2015. Freedom Park hosted the scholars, who were drawn from different backgrounds.

28 www.railwaysafrica.com Rail Track Installation and Maintenance Tools.

12 Laser Park Square Tel: +27 11 794-2910 34 Zeiss Road Email: [email protected] Laser Park Web: www.yalejhb.co.za Honeydew South Africa

Yale_RL314_TrackEquip.indd 1 2015/09/14 1:50 PM SPOTLIGHT: SOUTH AFRICA RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015

BUSES REPLACE TRAINS AT GOUDA

Metrorail has introduced buses to replace the train service at Gouda station, which is unsafe for passengers, according to the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR). Some of the reasons listed include holes in the platforms, which are “dangerously low in relation to the tracks”, the absence of toilet facilities, insufficient lighting and platforms of inadequate length. Metrorail says Photo: Craig Dean Low-level platform at Gouda upgrading work will commence in 2016. SELL OFF THOSE OVERSIZED TRAINS

APPLE EXPRESS Writing in Business Day, Chris Thurman observes: “While it certainly Much has been written wouldn’t fix Prasa’s problems, as the about the dormant rand slides to unprecedented lows, 610mm gauge Apple one way of ameliorating the mess Express, the laudable would be to sell off all those oversized aims of its supporters trains Prasa bought not too long ago, and the promises of to an overseas buyer. We could offer a an imminent return substantial discount and probably still to operation. The line make a small profit in rand terms. Call has been unused – it making the best of a bad situation.” and unmaintained - for some five years. PRASA CARRYING Recent photos of the PASSENGERS ILLEGALLY iconic van Stadens bridge, 44km west Section 22 of the National Railway of Port Elizabeth on Safety Regulator Act (Nrsra) provides the 285km Avontuur that no railway operation may be narrow-gauge line, cast undertaken unless the applicable doubts on its condition safety permit has been issued. and suitability for use In the case of the new Afro4000 by trains - and might locomotives, the RSR gave permission not satisfy the Railway for them to haul test trains. without Safety Regulator. The passengers on board. The regulator bridge, 78 metres in fact only grants "test" clearance above the river and certificates, whereas - in order to carry 156m in length, is the passengers - “operational" certificates highest narrow-gauge are required. An operational certificate railway bridge in the is only granted when the RSR is world, and the second completely convinced that it is safe for highest rail bridge in the locomotive to haul trains carrying South Africa. passengers. Specifically, parliament’s The bridge at van Stadens portfolio committee on transport has been told, the train that derailed at Modder River in August was operating on test authority but carrying passengers illegally, therefore putting their lives at risk.

SAND AT SIMON’S TOWN

There hasn’t been a train at Simon’s Town since February. A retaining wall collapsed, resulting in sand everywhere. The electric signals still work fine, though there aren’t any trains to take notice. Regional manager Richard Walker expects the trains to be back in January next year. He explains that repair work was delayed because of Department of Environmental Affairs regulations. “These require that we submit an environmental management plan on how the work will affect the environment.”

Regular commuters are unimpressed. Twelve months to draw up a plan and get it passed – you could No trains today: station at Simon’s Town import a locomotive from Spain in half the time, one traveller complains.

30 www.railwaysafrica.com CMY CY MY CM K Y M C RA_Aberdare ad_297x210_.pdf12015-06-1703:41:11PM Locomotive 181A BarbaraRoad, Elandsfontein,Gauteng. Tel +27(0)11 3968000 quality productsthatyoucantrust. producing on itself prides 1964, Aberdare’s range of halogen free flexible railway cables is suited to to suited is Aberdare’s rangeofhalogenfreeflexiblerailway cables since Aberdare cables,aleadingmanufacturerof powercables Fax +27(0)11 396 8010 www.aberdare.co.za range ofcableforrailinfrastructureisalsoavailable. supply power to electric locomotives androllingstock.locomotives A complete electric to power supply cable you cantrust

JWT66770 HEAVY HAUL RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015 International Heavy Haul Conference to be held in South Africa South Africa last hosted an international where Monakali presented South Africa’s It is expected heavy haul conference in 1997, in Cape bid to host the 2019 event. Town. At that time, the host company that some 1,500 - known then as Spoornet – already Building on the success of the 2014 delegates will operated two heavy haul lines of SAHHA Conference in Johannesburg, attend the 2019 considerable length. Now, due to the members of the South African chapter efforts of the South African Heavy submitted eight papers which were event. This will Haul Association (SAHHA), the next accepted for presentation at the generate very conference of the International Heavy conference in Perth. positive publicity Haul Association (IHHA) is to be held in for South South Africa in 2019. TFR engineer-in-training (EIT) Kihisha Suleman presented two papers at Perth. Africa and its Railways Africa spoke to Transnet Freight The first was prepared by herself and rail operations. Rail (TFR) executive manager: strategy Owen Phiri, also an EIT, and was entitled and long-term planning Brian Monakali, Aluminothermy welding management who chairs SAHHA, about this success. using Lean Six Sigma methodology on the South African coal export line. “Putting a winning proposal to the IHHA The second presentation. prepared in was a combination of factors,” Monakali collaboration with Justice Ngoato, was explains. The SAHHA executive started entitled Study of the development and organising more than a year ago by growth of transverse defects in the opening a South African heavy haul Transnet Freight Rail network. chapter, something which gave the South African proposal considerable credibility. TFR general manager: logistics integrator What makes this success more notable Pragasen Pillay presented a paper jointly is that China was among the other prepared by himself and colleague contenders and also put a strong case Tamara Govender. This was entitled The forward for hosting the 2019 event. evolution and operational impact of AC-DC wire-distributed powered trains “The South African heavy haul team was on the South African coal export line. TFR executive manager: strategy and long-term actively involved in the conference held in planning Brian Monakali. Perth, Australia from 22 to 24 June 2015. TFR principal engineer Robert The conference provided an opportunity Fröhling presented three papers, the for the IHHA to hold its board meeting first produced by himself and Eduard

Continues on page 38

Photo: Craig Dean SAHHA Workshop

On 8 and 9 October, the SAHHA and University of Pretoria co-hosted a two-day technical workshop where international and local speakers gave presentations on the latest developments in maintenance, operation and design aspects of heavy haul operations. This was an opportunity for delegates to hear about the recent IHHA conference in Perth, and key lessons learned there.

32 www.railwaysafrica.com Grinding of crankshafts with lengths of up to 4.7 metres and weights of up to 5 ton

Lineboring, boring, milling, 3-axis machining and blue printing of blocks over 6 metres Contact the most comprehensively equipped heavy diesel engine component remanufacturer in Africa [email protected] www.metricauto.co.za +27 (0) 11 873 2350 Transnet Freight Rail is investing in the positive We move more progress of the South African economy.

Investment programmes in rolling stock and infrastructure, together with increased volume growth, than just freight! skills development and training all equate to a South African economy on the move, in the right direction. delivering freight reliably

Transnet Freight Rail is a division of Tr ansnet SOC Ltd Reg No: 1990/000900/30 Transnet Freight Rail is an Authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP 18828) www.transnetfreightrail.co.za Tel: 0860 690 730

TFR_OTWM181_DPSadvert.indd 1 2015/04/28 3:22 PM Transnet Freight Rail is investing in the positive We move more progress of the South African economy.

Investment programmes in rolling stock and infrastructure, together with increased volume growth, than just freight! skills development and training all equate to a South African economy on the move, in the right direction. delivering freight reliably

Transnet Freight Rail is a division of Tr ansnet SOC Ltd Reg No: 1990/000900/30 Transnet Freight Rail is an Authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP 18828) www.transnetfreightrail.co.za Tel: 0860 690 730

TFR_OTWM181_DPSadvert.indd 1 2015/04/28 3:22 PM HEAVY HAUL RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015

SISHEN (861 km) VAAL RIVER Nelspruit Waterberg – Key to KARASBURG Middelburg Witbank Machadodorp UPINGTON VROLIK (791 km) South Africa’s Future VAAL RIVER ORANGE RIVER ROOILYF KIMBERLEY Rietkuil JOHANNESBURG AGGENEYS Energy Needs PADDAGAT ORANGE RIVER Hendrina Carolina Hawerklip Springs KOLKE (531 KM) Breyten PRIESKA Bethal ORANGE RIVER Leandra Lothair HALFWEG (445 KM) In order not to disrupt ERMELO SOUS (371 KM) DE AAR traffic on the existing CARNARVON SWAZILAND BITTERFONTEIN KANAKIES (274 KM)

MOZAMBIQUE Lephalale to Pyramid line, ROSMEAD ATLANTIC CALVINIA OCEAN KNERSVLAK (183 KM) Piet Retief upgrading to carry greatly LAMBERTS BAY KREEFBAAI (91 KM) Commondale increased tonnage is being OLIFANTS RIVER BEAUFORT WEST ELANDS BAY N DWARSKERSBOS (41 KM) PONGOLO RIVER carried out in phases. PIKETBERG SOUTH AFRICA SALDANHA BAY Eventually, it is intended OUDTSHOORN WORCESTER 0km 25km 50km 75km 100km VRYHEID ROBERTSON PORT ELIZABETH this line will carry 24 million GEORGE CAPETOWN PAARL RIVERSDALE MOSSEL BAY tons a year. INDIAN OCEAN

Ulundi WHITE UMFOLOZI RIVER However, Monakali explains

SISHEN - SALDANHA Line Swaziland MANGANESE Line that a completely new OTHER RAILWAYS 100 200 400 LESOTHO Empangeni heavy haul line is planned, KM RICHARDS BAY Durban to run from Lephalale to Ermelo. The pre-feasibility Ore and Manganese Line Coal Line study for this is nearing Reitmann, with the title Cape gauge From his experience at the conference, completion. He expects track geometry quality - what is Monakali is recommending the adopting that a start will be made acceptable? The second - Development of yet more advanced infrastructure on the full feasibility study of a condition reporting system based maintenance techniques to Transnet. before the end of the year, on experience gained from a prototype “We need to increase the frequency of taking about 18 months system - was a collaboration with Georg infrastructure inspection and be able to complete. Hettasch, and the third, produced by to have the inspection equipment on Much of this work will be Fröhling and Ulrich Spangenberg, had operating trains.” done by Transnet’s own the title Mitigating severe side wear on design team but external 1:20 tangential turnouts. Explaining why there is a need for assistance will be called specific heavy haul associations and in as and when needed, Professor Hannes Gräbe from the conferences, Monakali explains that Monakali says. However, University of Pretoria (chair in railway the technical challenges encountered board decision to signal the engineering) and Dylan Jacobs from in running high axle-load railways are start of construction is still Transnet Capital Projects co-presented far more severe than in passenger and at least two years away. the paper Determining the neutral general freight operations. “In the early temperature of continuous welded days of heavy haul, rail operators in A separate project is rail - new insights and observations. South Africa and other parts of the the construction of a rail In addition, Fulvio Busatta from the world encountered many problems such link from Lephalale to Mahalapye in Botswana. University of Cape Town presented the as frequent derailments.” To date, studies on this paper Structural health monitoring of link are at an early pre- the Olifants River viaduct. It is expected that some 1,500 delegates feasibility stage. It would be will attend the 2019 event. This will to Botswana’s advantage As part of the opening sessions of generate very positive publicity for to have a direct rail link the conference, Brian Monakali gave a South Africa and its rail operations. from its coal fields in the presentation on the latest developments east of the country to a in South African heavy haul operations. Monakali found it interesting that major port. It has already A trusted South Africa’s heavy haul operations sent a pilot coal train Of the 200 papers presented at the are held in esteem by other world through Zimbabwe and on Perth conference, the IHHA committee players. Achieving what we have on to Maputo successfully. At the same time, there are industry leader selected 10 for best paper awards. One Cape Gauge is seen as particularly indications that interest in of these was that by Robert Fröhling remarkable. “And now that we are S14543 building the 1,600km Trans- and Ulrich Spangenberg. starting to almost double the length of Kalahari line to Walvis Bay lines in the heavy haul category - with has gained momentum. “All these factors combined to show the conversion of the manganese line For more than 90 years, Scaw, a South African industry leader, has been a leading supplier of that South Africa was keen to be the and the construction of the 500km Strategically, South Africa cast railway products to the backbone of our South African economy. When safety and productivity next host,” Monakali says, commenting Waterberg line - we will be an even needs coal both for export that there were noteworthy more meaningful player in the future,” and domestic power are at stake, customers depend on Scaw’s 90 years of experience and expertise to design and contributions from the Australian he says. generation. Clearly a shorter manufacture railway products to the highest international manufacturing, safety and environmental contingent. “I noticed that the heavy 815km route for Botswana standards. haul industry is currently emphasising “Here at home, the growth of heavy haul coal through South Africa technological development – new and lines will strongly assist in the success of to Richards Bay would be better ways of doing things.” Transnet’s Market Demand Strategy,” he advantageous – for South With one of the largest foundries in the Southern Hemisphere, Scaw produces an extensive range Africa as well as Botswana. concludes. of railway products cast, machined and delivered to customer specifications or under international licence. Customers, both nationally and internationally, continue to choose Scaw products and expertise. More than www.scaw.co.za steel. 36 www.railwaysafrica.com

Scaw 2015 Cast Railway Ad.indd 1 2014/12/08 12:39 PM A trusted industry leader S14543

For more than 90 years, Scaw, a South African industry leader, has been a leading supplier of cast railway products to the backbone of our South African economy. When safety and productivity are at stake, customers depend on Scaw’s 90 years of experience and expertise to design and manufacture railway products to the highest international manufacturing, safety and environmental standards.

With one of the largest foundries in the Southern Hemisphere, Scaw produces an extensive range of railway products cast, machined and delivered to customer specifications or under international licence. Customers, both nationally and internationally, continue to choose Scaw products and expertise. More than www.scaw.co.za steel.

Scaw 2015 Cast Railway Ad.indd 1 2014/12/08 12:39 PM NERVE CENTRE RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015

Gauteng Nerve Centre Completed The new state-of-the art The new building, covering an includes the centralised control Gauteng Nerve Centre (GNC), area of around 3,400m2, acts as of passenger information, providing centralised rail traffic an “eye” overlooking the entire monitoring equipment for the management for the Passenger passenger rail network. At the overhead contact line and closed Rail Agency of South Africa heart of the GNC, the control circuit television at stations. (Prasa), has been completed room is equipped with a video by Siemens at Kaalfontein near wall over 52 metres long and The signalling systems currently Johannesburg. When it comes two metres high, monitoring all in use in the province are into full use from January 2016, train movements and displaying obsolete. They comprise a mix replacing 35 existing control traction power supply, weather of technologies, some dating rooms, it will constantly monitor information and operational back to the 1930s. Upgrading each and every one of the over data. The train movements are the trackside equipment has 600 trains in operation every controlled via 30 multi-screen been designed to reduce the day, enabling the controllers work-stations, each fitted with headway between successive to respond immediately to any an integrated communication trains from 15 minutes to around operating failure, accident or module, combining telephone, 2.5, thus increasing operating other incident. trunked radio and GSM-R capacity and ensuring greater communication. The GNC also flexibility, a higher level of safety

38 www.railwaysafrica.com 5-2015 RAILWAYS AFRICA NERVE CENTRE

and fewer train delays. Siemens Pretoria, it forms the economic is upgrading one quarter of the centre of South Africa. To obsolete signalling systems in strengthen Gauteng’s position as Gauteng, for completion in 2017. an industry and trade hub, Prasa The follow-up order awarded in is investing heavily in new rolling 2013 is to replace the remaining stock including locomotives, three-quarters of the trackside and in the expansion of railway signalling. Three of the 92 infrastructure. stations to be modernised are up and running with Siemens interlocking technology.

Covering an area of 18,000m2, Gauteng - with 12 million inhabitants - is the smallest but most densely populated province in South Africa. Including the cities of Johannesburg and

www.railwaysafrica.com 39 ECONOMIC CASE RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015

Making cities more competitive: the economic case for public transport.

The Economic Case for Public Transport Speaking at the Transport Forum The introduction of BRT and the therefore assists in lowering the Month-of-Transport-Celebrations Gautrain provides opportunities socio-economic cost of travel on 1 October 2015, Gauteng and indicates that transport in to society. Provincial Government director Gauteng is developing into a of legal and policy research system of high-speed connecting Investment in public transport Advocate Alma Nel presented hubs with a strong support base can be expensive, but the her research into Making cities of feeder services. benefits are much greater more competitive: the economic and projects like the Gautrain case for public transport. “We still support bus nodes help towards achieving long- through subsidisation,” Nel said, term economic sustainability. “South Africa faces significant “Not forgetting the continued Government is committed public transport challenges,” she discussions with the taxi towards providing South said. One of these is the effect operators and associations to Africans with safe, accessible on the economy and transport further enhance our transport public transport. This has availability by one of apartheid’s system, specifically through the been emphasised at national, legacies - urban sprawl in our current discussions towards provincial and municipal level cities - and the fact that the road incorporation of this mode as an aspect that requires systems due to this favours use into the public transport immediate attention. by private motor vehicles. operations grant.” The transformation of public Public transport services are The Gautrain complements and transport requires consistent important in many ways. They supplements the other public inter-government cooperation provide mobility, can shape transport modes in Gauteng, and coordination. “This is a land use and development allowing citizens a safe, efficient daunting task,” said Nel, “and patterns, generate jobs and and reliable solution. will require the setting of clear enable economic growth, and public transport indicators such support public policies regarding With the expected global as reduced travel times, reduced energy use, air quality and increase in urban populations costs, to lessen the percentage carbon emissions. - 27% over the next 30 years of household income spent on according to UITP - and the rapid transport and the determination “Public transport,” she went urbanisation rates in Africa, the by the relevant transport on, “is the lifeblood of a city’s provision of a safe and secure authorities of the nature and economy and you cannot have a rail system like Gautrain in a fast size of vehicles to be used, smart city without highlighting developing Gauteng Province, including regular renewal of the the important role played by becomes a top priority. The public transport fleet and access public transport. Investment Gautrain feasibility study found to transport.” in public transport is crucial in that on average it is five to improving the quality of life and ten times safer to travel by rail In closing Nel stated that in order economic vitality of our cities.” transport, compared to road. to ensure their own economic Poor transport infrastructure prosperity, it is up to the In Gauteng, the majority of marginalises the poor and limits commuters to take advantage of residents travel by bus, rail or the ability of many members these systems and support their minibus taxi; but there is a steady of society to move freely, and growth, and to push for a future increase in residents who rely makes all travel less safe. The that doesn’t see congested roads entirely on private car use. Gautrain brings independence to and more unnecessary road all, especially to women, learners fatalities. and people with disabilities. It

40 www.railwaysafrica.com 5-2015 RAILWAYS AFRICA TRANSPORT FORUM

Economic Regulation and Competition in Railways At the recent Transport Forum (Transport costs and therefore unrealistic prices Month Celebrations), held on 1 October between roads and railways. 2015, Kgomotso Modise, deputy director- general: transport: Department of Public “Once we move freight to the road it is Enterprises, addressed the issue of difficult to move it back to rail because Economic regulation and competition of the expenses incurred.” Modise in railways. pointed out.

“Historically”, she stated, “network The answer may lie in competition in industries - including the railways - were railways. Essentially, this will remove national monopolies.” They suffered from barriers to entry and allow third party lack of investment commensurate with access to monopoly railway infrastructure. Ms Kgomotso Modise economic growth, and lack of innovation to Additionally, it will create non- (DDG: Transport: respond to dynamic logistics requirements. discriminatory rules for the allocation Department of Public The effect was the inability of railways to of paths and for access charges. This Enterprises) presenting: “Economic Regulation remain competitive, resulting in investment will result in lower fares, additional and Competition curtailment and deregulation of road services through utilisation of spare in Railways” Photo: transport. This had a major impact on the capacity, and will apply pressure on cost. Transport Forum performance of railways, and ultimately Furthermore, it will reduce monopolies a decline in railway market share on the over single geographic corridors and lessen national transport scene. profitability, as well as creating a loss of economies in scale and density and loss of There are two types of mechanisms integration and coordination. at government’s disposal to deal with market failures - economic regulation and However, economic regulation in railways competition policies (antitrust regulation). - which means the regulation of access - access charges, haulage prices, and levels Regulation can create stability. But of service would allow entry and exit into The answer may lie it can also hinder the competitive different markets, depending on their in the competition dynamics necessary for a healthy profitability. It will create stability of prices of railways. financial environment. Globally speaking, vs profitability, and create value of service general policy trends encompass the pricing and equalise discrimination. Essentially, this deregulation of road transport, the will remove regulation of railways, and the introduction So looking to the future of South Africa barriers to entry of competition in railways. “More Modise asked, “What can we provide? and allow third noteworthy however, the trend is moving What can we do to address the needs of party access to towards collaboration,” said Modise. the country and ensure enough capacity monopoly railway She was speaking of the trend towards going into the future?” The first critical step infrastructure. collaboration between the road and railway would be defining the goals and objectives industries, as well as the public and private of economic regulation and competition Result in lower sectors. policy in developing and implementing fares, additional policy reforms. Railway technical skills services through Arguably, the deregulation of road are very crucial in the implementation of utilisation of spare transport is intended to deal with rail rail economic regulation, to ensure that capacity, and will inefficiencies such as service and price, the decisions taken into account are in apply pressure on but the effect has been to allow the road line with rail industry realities. National cost. transport sector to expand significantly, transport strategies may differ, but broad and competition has intensified. At government policy aims and principles for Furthermore, the same time, investment in railways transport should be coherent when applied reduction in declined significantly, due to various to the sector as a whole, independent of monopolies over policy decisions of the day. Railways lost mode. the transporting of many commodities single geographic - especially manufactured goods - over “We must look at our own challenges,” said corridors and many routes, mainly the shorter ones, Modise. No single best model for economic lessen profitability, but in some cases on entire long-haul regulation of railways exists. Instead, as well as creating routes. This came at a cost, including regulation should be custom-designed a loss of economies externalities such as damage to the road to achieve government objectives for the in scale and networks, accidents, etc. Furthermore, road whole transport sector, taking account of density and loss infrastructure costs were covered mainly other aspects of railway reform. Lastly, of integration and by taxpayers while railways remained self- she explained that government actions coordination. funding, resulting in skewed operational are always influential and often decisive in helping or hindering a successful railway.

www.railwaysafrica.com 41 LUXEMBOURG PROTOCOL RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015 Why the Luxembourg Protocol will Boost Railway Investment in Africa by Howard Rosen

Howard Rosen is an English lawyer based in Switzerland who has advised September – sub-Saharan Africa’s on legal and strategic aspects of international railway rolling stock finance first light rail service. But these transactions for over 25 years. He is chairman of the Rail Working Group, projects stretch states’ financial a global not-for-profit industry association, based in Switzerland, focused resources to the limit. The new on promoting the adoption of the Luxembourg Rail Protocol worldwide. Mombasa to Nairobi line has raised Kenya’s external debt by about 17%. The strategic direction has been of rail track for every 357 square Implementing plans to extend the agreed at the highest level: to kilometres of land. Compare line north to Naivasha will increase prioritise investment in the railways this with the United States’ one this even further. across Africa. But where will the kilometre of track for every 43 money come from? square kilometres, and Germany, Other costs flow from the fact that where the ratio is one to under 10. the African rail system operates The African Union (AU) argues And it is getting worse. Between on three incompatible rail gauges. that lack of infrastructure in Africa 2005 and 2011, usable rail tracks While AU policy encourages new is reducing growth by up to 2% in Africa shrank from 58,000km to rail using the European standard a year. The African Development 50,000km. gauge, standardisation will have Bank stated in 2013 that the cost a heavy price. South African of transporting goods in Sub- Moreover, railways are not just Transport Minister Dipuo Peters Saharan Africa is the highest in essential for economic growth but recently called for the conversion the world. The WEF 2015 Africa a crucial part of any sustainable of her country’s 20,000km of track Competitiveness Report calls the development agenda. Yet, to standard gauge. This alone could region’s infrastructure shortfall a according to the UNIFE 2014 world cost up to $110 billion. How is this all “critical bottleneck” to reaping rail market study, annual investment to be paid for? the benefits of increased regional in new railway rolling stock in integration (today only 11.3% of Africa has been about 4% of global According to UNCTAD, African trade in Africa is intra-regional). procurement, averaging just over countries invested an average of The 2012 report of the UN/AU $2bn per annum. 15% to 25% of GDP in transport Programme for Infrastructure infrastructure from 2005 to 2012. Development in Africa (PIDA) More Rail – But Who Pays? India and China invested about predicted an increase in African True, the position is gradually 32% and 42% of GDP respectively transport needs of 600% to 800% changing. Large rail projects are in the same period. Richer between 2010 and 2040. under way in countries such as countries in Africa can draw on Kenya, Ethiopia and Mozambique, their own resources and borrow Railways could transform the and there are plans to bring railways on the capital markets, although continent, but currently plays to Burundi and Rwanda. The $475 this has limits, particularly when an insignificant role. No wonder, million, 34km Addis Ababa Light commodity prices fall. Loans are with rail density of one kilometre Rail Transit project opened in provided by states, notably China. Nevertheless, a recent PIDA report DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO highlights an annual funding gap for infrastructure of close to $50 billion. Luau Kolwezi Dilolo Lubumbashi Luacarno There is clearly an urgent need Proposed North-Western Railway to attract investment from the ANGOLA TAZARA LINE TO DAR ES Chingola Ndola private sector and for states to Kitwe SALAAM Luanshya Mchinji work with banks, investment funds Chipata and institutional investors to cover Kapiri Mposhi LILONGWE this shortfall. Yet, as another PIDA ZAMBIA Kabwe report also acknowledges, to do this countries must “ensure a Mulobezi LUSAKA MOZAMBIQUE competitive market based on clear Kafue Cabora Bassa legislation with enforcement of

Mazabuka MALAWI Senanga Tete commercial law and transparency in Monze procurement.” The report continues: Choma Kariba Dam “The absence of enabling legislation Kazungula Lake ZIMBABWE and regulations, a lack of local Kariba HARARE CAPRIVI Livingstone skills and a poor understanding of NAMIBIA STRIP Marondera public-private partnership (PPP) Hwange Mutare risk allocation are all bottlenecks Kwekwe currently preventing many countries BOTSWANA Odzi Okavango Gweru to Beira from fully unlocking private sector Delta interest, particularly on regional New lines proposed in Zambia

42 www.railwaysafrica.com 5-2015 RAILWAYS AFRICA LUXEMBOURG PROTOCOL

projects. But if put to broader use, a more competitive and dynamic A Common, Coherent System PPPs hold the potential for true rail industry worldwide, and bring The Luxembourg Rail Protocol sets transformational impact.” important social, environmental, out a common and coherent system developmental and economic for railway rolling stock finance. A Radical New Tool advantages, as well as new It establishes clear creditor rights Provision of rolling stock is of business opportunities. both during the financing term course a critical part of any PPP (for and on termination due to default, example “Build Operate Transfer” By giving lessors a clear set of insolvency, or otherwise where the structures) between the public rules protecting their interests, it creditor holds an “international and private sectors. In any new rail will open the way to the provision interest” in the asset as set out in project, the cost of rolling stock of rolling stock in Africa through the Protocol. The new “international represents between 25% to 30% of operating leasing. This will lower interest” arises from security total expenditure over the life of the barriers to entry for new operators created on the rolling stock in PPP. Fortunately there is a radical – currently a high risk, and therefore favour of three defined categories new tool coming to allow states high-cost business - and create of creditors. These are: a lessor to lay off that cost to the private a system for more efficient use under a lease, a conditional seller sector. This is the Luxembourg (including sharing) of existing and under a title reservation agreement, Rail Protocol to the Cape Town new railway equipment across the and a secured lender. In each Convention on International continent, moving the industry case, the counter party (lessee, Interests in Mobile Equipment, towards more standardised conditional purchaser, or chargor) which will play a key role in equipment and more consistent must have its principal place of bringing private capital to support technical support and maintenance. business in a country that has existing and new rail projects by ratified the Protocol. facilitating banks and other funders This is not a theoretical need. providing finance for rolling stock Grindrod Rail’s rolling stock leasing The Protocol applies to all railway procurement. joint venture, GPR Leasing, already rolling stock in the broadest sense, offers leasing solutions for railway from conventional rail locomotives Once in force, the Protocol will offer equipment across Africa. According and wagons through to light rail a new global system of international to GPR’s Divisional CEO Jacques de and metro trains, trams and even security rights for secured creditors Klerk, the capital-intensive nature of cable cars. The international interest (secured lenders and lessors). rolling stock, as well as the ageing can (and should) be registered It delivers the legal framework African fleet, present a huge need on closing of the financing at for new and cheaper sources of for rolling stock leasing solutions, an international registry to be private sector finance for railway the preferred model worldwide. He based in Luxembourg. This is equipment, with the advantage adds: “With the opportunity come because if there is more than one that a creditor can provide capital risks, and for rolling stock leasing international interest created on an secured on the collateral of the companies to survive in Africa, they asset, the first registration will have financed assets, and not just have need to have the ability to track priority unless the creditors agree to rely on the credit status of the and trace their assets, ensure the otherwise. The new registry will be borrower. The new system will apply locomotives are maintained in line entirely electronic, accessible via whether the debtor is state-owned with OEM standards, and that they the internet, and searchable by the or private. Indirectly it will lead to have the ability to uplift their assets public 24/7. Prospective purchasers on client non-payment.”

www.railwaysafrica.com 43 LUXEMBOURG PROTOCOL RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015

industry understanding, in defined circumstances, to offer lower financing rates for airframes and aircraft engines where the Aircraft Protocol applies.

The Luxembourg Rail Protocol was adopted in 2007. The European Union has already ratified the Protocol (in respect of its competences) and a growing number of European countries, as well as countries outside Europe, including South Africa, have either ratified the Protocol or are working towards this. The registry is expected Diesel multiple-unit set in Nigeria. to begin operations in 2017. and financiers will be able to see, However the Protocol’s application in real time, if another party has to pure domestic transactions, a claim on the asset about to be where none of the parties, or purchased or financed. the financed assets, are outside the same country, will also be The Protocol also recognises and important, as currently there are regulates a state’s right to prevent rarely clear rules on a creditor’s repossession in the public interest security position in any given state, in specific circumstances; deals with or even a local title registry. security rights in rail assets created prior to the Protocol coming into This new instrument will preserve force; and guarantees parties’ rights capital for governments and save New standard gauge railway under to choose the law applicable to the money for borrowers and lessees construction in Kenya. security or lease agreements. because the increased legal Every country in Africa should certainty for a creditor will not ratify the Luxembourg Rail One consequence of this new system only lower risks generally, leading Protocol at the earliest opportunity. is that for the first time in the rail to greater readiness by banks, There are no downsides (the industry, there will be a life-long, institutions and other private costs of registrations should be unique identifier for each item of investors to provide funding for easily outstripped by savings on rolling stock, issued by the registry rolling stock procurement at a documentation and cheaper finance and fixed permanently on the asset. cheaper rate, but will also facilitate rates). This new framework will This will bring interesting additional significant savings by reducing relieve the state from significant industry benefits, facilitating instant banks’ capital requirements under financial burdens, create fresh asset location tracking as well as “Basel III”. In a recent presentation sources of investment for the helping with insurance issues and in South Africa, a major bank rail industry and thereby attract accurate maintenance records over estimated that the positive entrepreneurs and investors, as the entire asset life. difference in funding rates if the well as help underwrite Africa’s Protocol were operating would economic development in the range from 0.45% to 1.9% over a coming decades. It will also make five year period, depending on the future financing more focused and customer’s credit status. transparent, and empower African manufacturers, operators, lessors Tried and Tested – and and financiers to provide solutions Coming Soon for Africa’s needs in this area. The system is already tried and tested. The Cape Town Convention The commitment by African leaders Station scene on Mozambique’s Nacala line. and a protocol applying the to a major expansion of the rail Photo: Roderick Smith. Convention to aircraft was adopted sector, as a key component of a The Protocol will be particularly in 2001 and is now operating in sustainable growth and development important for ensuring a creditor’s about 60 countries, including many agenda, has already been made. The security when the rolling stock African states, with the aviation logic is undeniable and construction crosses borders, not just because international registry in Dublin. It is has begun. The only question is how the creditor’s rights will be a remarkable success: over 500,000 to pay for it. By facilitating cost- recognised in the same way in each registrations covering 110,000 effective private sector finance for of the states where the rolling stock aircraft objects with an estimated rolling stock, the Luxembourg Rail happens to be (as long as that state value of over $US500 billion since Protocol will provide an important has ratified the Protocol), but also it started operations in 2006. part of the answer. making multinational financing Moreover, export credit agencies easier, since the same rules will in OECD member countries are For more about the Luxembourg Rail Protocol, visit www.railworkinggroup.org apply in different jurisdictions. permitted by a special OECD

44 www.railwaysafrica.com A leader in compressed air for the rail industry

Our quick reference illustrated catalogue lists all 4000 items Sebvest manufactures. We’ll minimise your downtime by rushing stock items to you within a day or two. View our catalogue at www.sebvesteng.com

We manufacture components for the following:

• LPS54 • 10”,14”, 21” & 24” brake cylinders • DH16 • Gardner Denver • VV64 • Wabtec 6C D4 UC // SEBVEST_RA170 THE WIRE MEDIA ON • LPS44 • Reavell 17S • Westex • VV 230 • Vacuum brakes • 3 VC 75

Sebvest Engineering Managing Director: Gavin Acar www.sebvesteng.com Cell: 083 454 0703 / Tel: 011 914 1093 6 Bain Street, Boksburg East

Sebvest Ad .indd 1 2015/05/05 8:36 AM COMPANY NEWS RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015

ACTOM: SECOND YARD PROJECT

Actom Signalling has been awarded a further contract to provide and install semi-automated yard control systems at 13 Transnet Freight Rail stations around the country, following its earlier successful completion of a similar assignment.

“We view the award as affirmation of our success with the earlier project in developing an effective and efficient yard control system,” said Actom Signalling’s general manager Peter Colborne.

The new project, awarded in mid-August 2015 and scheduled for completion in December 2017, is for yard control systems at Kazerne, Natalspruit and Springs in Gauteng; Newcastle and Vryheid in Kwazulu-Natal; Witbank, Belfast, Nelspruit, Komatipoort and Oosbank in Mpumalanga; Phalaborwa and Thabazimbi in The basic elements of the yard control system: an axle-counter Limpopo, and Rustenburg in North-West Province. detection point, an indicator and a points machine. The earlier project, executed between mid-2012 and the “The initial project was very challenging as it involved end of last year, comprised five yard control contracts converting the conceptual design into a commercial for a total of 10 stations in Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal, system against tight time constraints. Having overcome Western Cape, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape. those hurdles in the first phase, we expect things to run much more smoothly this time round,” Colborne says. Actom (Pty) Ltd is the largest manufacturer, solution provider, repairer and distributor of electro-mechanical The new yard control is semi-automated and replaces equipment in Africa, offering a balanced combination existing manually-operated mechanical systems in of manufacturing, service, repairs, projects and which the points have to be thrown by an operator distribution via its 40 distribution outlets throughout on the ground. Yard operators are provided with Southern Africa. two alternatives for operating points, using either a trackside push-button or a local control panel (LCP) A major local supplier of electrical equipment that, although a remote control system, is located in a and services, Actom holds numerous technology, line-of-sight position so that the operator can see the distribution and value added reseller agreements with points or series of points he is controlling. various partners, both locally and internationally.

SASRE – ANOTHER YEAR OF EXCELLENCE

Excellence in engineering Throughout the year, Addressing the guests, The downturn in prices is something that most about once a month, SASRE chairman Jan paid for export minerals, people take for granted. SASRE invites one of de Beer observed that de Beer observed, has We don’t expect the its members to make a there were considerable had an impact on sectors wheels to come off our technical presentation forces, both positive and of the economy such as cars, or that trains will to the society. At the negative, bearing on and mining. In addition, railway derail. This excellence is end of the year, awards potentially changing union demands for more driven by the maintenance are given for the most South Africa’s rail industry. money coupled with of standards and by illuminating papers. This allegations of exploitation research and innovation. year the winning award On the positive side there will drive up national was presented to Pat Smit is massive investment into logistics costs. The South African Society of DCD Rolling Stock for the rail arena of nearly of Railway Engineering his presentation Passive R500 billion. Pressures With this news in mind, (SASRE), which held its hydraulic steering (the on the industry however de Beer asked what the annual gala dinner on Jika) for bogies. include the Public future role of engineers 21 August, is one of the Protector questioning should be? Government more dynamic players, Transnet Freight Rail’s the way we do business. is demanding a decrease pursuing an active role in Neels van Bergen Thuli Madonsela recently in transport expenses to maintaining and improving won an award for his released what has been reduce the cost of doing standards, and extending presentation entitled Train termed “a damning business. Anyone who the boundaries of design processes. report” on the Passenger understands income engineering knowledge. Rail Agency of South statements will see that Africa (Prasa) this is a major challenge.

46 www.railwaysafrica.com 5-2015 RAILWAYS AFRICA COMPANY NEWS

HARTING CELEBRATES 70 YEARS

September 1st 2015 marked the 70th steady stream of new and innovative Today, Harting is present on anniversary of the family-owned and products such as musical boxes, all continents with a total of 12 managed company HARTING. The electrical medical devices, cigarette production sites and 42 sales Harting success story started just a vending machines, magnets companies. The Harting range of few months after the end of the war and connectors. products and solutions comprises in 1945, and since then the company connectors, device connection has advanced to become a globally Following the sudden and technology and network renowned technology group. unexpected death of Wilhelm Harting components. Harting products in 1962, Marie managed the company connect machines and facilities Wilhelm and Marie Harting on her own until her sons Dietmar via data, signal and power. launched the company “Wilhelm and Jürgen came on board in the late HartingMechanischeWerkstätten“ in 1960s. In 1973, Jürgen Harting lost his Harting has great expectations a 100m2 repair workshop in Minden. life in a tragic accident at the age of pinned especially on business Wilhelm Harting, an engineer, had 32. revolving around integrated headed an aviation company in industry topics and issues. These Berlin. Following a hazardous escape Up to 1987, Marie and Dietmar activities are consistently expanded. from his homeland, he decided to Harting headed the company but As Philip Harting explains: “We are take the step to self-employment. Marie died in 1989. In March 1987, accompanying our customers on Margrit Harting assumed the position their way to Industry 4.0 with Initially, the fledgling company of managing partner. Thus for more tailored and modular solutions.” produced articles in daily use such as than a quarter of a century, the economy lamps, hot plates, irons and Hartings headed the technology This course can only be charted waffle irons. Marie Harting set off on group on its way to becoming a in connection with qualified and a bicycle to deliver the products in global company. highly motivated employees, which the immediate region, and bartered is why training and further training food as payment. Today, Margrit and Dietmar holds high significance at Harting. Harting are engaged in very close And in the company’s seventieth Already, in the year 1947, Harting was cooperation with their son and year, their resounding success once represented at the first Hannover daughter, Philip F W Harting (senior again justifies Harting’s course. In Trade Fair. The company experienced vice-president connectivity & the last 2013/14 business year (to dynamic growth, and soon needed networks as well as president/general 30 September), sales advanced by more space. In 1950, the move partner) and Maresa Harting-Hertz an impressive 13% to €547 million, was made to the neighbouring (senior vice-president finance and reaching a new high point. The Espelkamp, a settlement of refugees purchasing as well as president/ number of employees rose to that was beginning to prosper. general partner.) The third generation around 2,400. assumed the position of general The company succeeded in boosting partners at the end of 2013. sales year after year, introducing a

“Nevertheless,” de Beer is able to exact a positive professional conduct and socio-economic impact on continued, “in assisting influence in South Africa”. honour the standing of workers and their families. the rail transport system the profession. in Southern Africa, the To do this, the following “The challenge for us is The challenge de Beer challenge is on the are essential: what we can do to change put to those present was, table to help provide an • Standards public perceptions. I leave as rail industry suppliers affordable and sustainable • Norms that to you, to do what is and supporters, were their rail industry, as well as • Practices necessary to get into the businesses compliant re-routing products from • Competency newspapers with successes with the needs of all road to rail.” • Ethics and positive news.” legislation and community requirements?” Do you live Quoting the Engineering “What are you doing in South Africa’s economy up to the social demands Council of South Africa, your business to achieve has felt the burden of that are placed on us by de Beer said “(the role these criteria?” he asked. plummeting prices paid society and government?” of the Council) is to for export coal and other ensure that South Africa The role of a professional, minerals, lower state “Is it not time that we trust enjoys all the benefits he suggested, is to apply subsidies and more costly one another to ensure skills of a strong, competent, his or her knowledge imports by international transfer and respect those growing, sustainable and skills in the interest suppliers. This has resulted who have gained their and re-presentative of humanity and the in fewer job opportunities, experience by working engineering profession environment, to execute and calls by receivers through the ranks?” he which is able to provide their work with integrity of services for lowered asked in conclusion. all the expertise necessary and sincerity and in costs. In turn, this has seen for the socio-economic accordance with generally reduced turnover, and with needs of the country and accepted norms of job losses, the inevitable

www.railwaysafrica.com 47 INVESTMENT RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015

Global Transport: Infrastructure Investment Predicted to Reach Unprecedented Levels Transport infrastructure has however reduced the growth markets. This is investment is projected viability of a number of partly due to the rise in to increase at an average large transport projects prosperity, and as a result annual rate of about 5% in Africa, particularly there is expected to be worldwide between 2014 where these are directly more ownership of motor and 2015, according to related to coal, iron ore vehicles in developing an analysis released by and other high-volume countries. Trucking in PwC Africa. mineral exports. Africa continues to remain the dominant provider of Dr Andrew Shaw The analysis on transport “In some developed inter-regional trade and www.pws.com infrastructure spending countries, the global as countries across the [email protected] to 2025, for which financial crisis has region grow, so will the Oxford Economics increased support for demands for improved provided research investment in roads and road infrastructure. “Our forecasts support, estimates other infrastructure, the scale of current to drive economic and By contrast, railways present a positive transport infrastructure employment growth. Many are forecast to see picture of a investment and assesses infrastructure projects relatively strong growth growing market the prospects for future around the world suffer in advanced economies investment from now from obstacles such as with mature transport for transport to 2025. local political opposition, markets like Western infrastructure, but technical challenges or Europe, where there is a it is important to Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) other unexpected issues. growing opinion in favour is expected to have the Better design can help to of public transport – and ensure that this fastest average annual avoid claims and disputes particularly in the UK money is invested growth rate of over in the construction phase, and Spain, where high- carefully and 11%, while Asia-Pacific while better procedures speed networks are wisely, delivering remains by far the largest for project planning, expected to undergo transport infrastructure preparation and approval further development. increasing value market, with investments will allow projects to be to the funders, increasing from $US557 built much faster. But in Other highlights of including all billion to nearly $900 many growth markets, the report: billion over the forecast the major issue for of us as users, period. However, transport governments is that they Asia-Pacific taxpayers or infrastructure investment lack experience in how to Large-scale development investors.” levels in Western Europe prepare the projects. of transport networks are expected to take will continue in many a long time to recover, “Our forecasts present Asia-Pacific economies, due to continual fiscal a positive picture of given the shift in austerity – returning only a growing market for economic power from to 2008 levels in 2022. transport infrastructure, the West to the East, but it is important to the rise in Asian wealth Dr Andrew Shaw, ensure that this money and rapid urbanisation. Transport & Logistics is invested carefully Significant investment Leader for PwC South and wisely, delivering in road infrastructure Africa, says: “Since the increasing value to the to accommodate ever global financial crisis, funders, including all of more cars, along with spending on infrastructure us as users, taxpayers investment in public has been constrained by or investors.” transport to relieve the general squeeze on congestion in urban government expenditure According to the report, areas, is expected. in developing countries, investment in sea ports Strong growth in sea while the long-term is predicted to grow the port infrastructure infrastructure gap fastest, at 5.8% on average is also expected to continues. In some growth per year over the forecast support expansion in countries like Indonesia period, while airport international trade. and India and many investments are expected rapidly growing countries to slow down to an annual in Africa, the lack of growth rate of 2.6%. Western Europe transport infrastructure The analysis predicts that investment continues to Roads will likely remain transport infrastructure inhibit growth. The recent the biggest area of investment growth in fall in commodity prices investment, especially for Western Europe will be

48 www.railwaysafrica.com 5-2015 RAILWAYS AFRICA COMPANY NEWS

moderate in the near Middle East & SSA future, given the already While mega-projects such well-developed transport as the metro for Riyadh networks in many of and Qatar airport grab the advanced countries, headlines, roads still make as well as continuing up the largest sub-sector fiscal constraints and a for transport spending high demand for more in the Middle East. The social infrastructure, rate of car ownership especially in healthcare is expected to increase infrastructure spending, sharply over the coming EXPANDING INTO will likely be limited decade; consequently, SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA to targeted schemes the investment in roads for relieving traffic is expected to increase Since 1895, the Goldschmidt Thermit congestion. Rail as well – by almost 116% Group GmbH has been known for investment, however, is over this period to reach highest quality products and excellent poised for growth. $31bn per year by 2025. service in the railway sector. With SSA is the fastest growing experience, expertise and innovative US and Canada regional infrastructure ideas, they are well equipped for Given the maturity of market, with a projected the challenges of international transport networks in average increase in railway infrastructure. the US and Canada, transport spending of investment is expected over 11% per year from Thermitrex (Pty) Ltd, a member of to grow by an average of 2015 to 2025. Most of this the Goldschmidt Thermit Group, has just 3% per year over the growth is expected in provided the Southern Africa market coming decade. Overall, a roads and ports. with Thermit welding solutions for decline in the US-Canada over forty years. Today it is focusing share of global transport Russia and Central on expansion into the rest of Sub- spending – from 14% in & Eastern Europe Saharan Africa. 2014 to 11% by 2025 – While the Former Soviet is expected. Union/Central Eastern Thermitrex has concluded large local European (FSU/CEE) contracts with Transnet Limited, Latin America countries currently devote Prasa (the Passenger Rail Agency of Rising wealth levels a smaller percentage of South-Africa), mining companies and in Latin America are infrastructure investments contractors. In addition, they have expected to drive to transportation than supplied quality products and services strong increases in car the global average, this to a number of SADC countries ownership and, in turn, is projected to change including Namibia, Botswana, a need for investment in over the forecast period. Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique road infrastructure. Road For most of the FSU and Tanzania. spending is expected to countries, investment in increase by an average good transport networks Thermitrex has recently extended its of 11% per year between remains relatively product offering by including products 2014 and 2025, more than important due to the need and services that have been developed double the world average to transport extractive by sister companies within the group. rate. Increased prosperity outputs to other markets. These include rail joining e.g. insulated will likely also generate Spending on ports, in rail joints, rail measurement services, demand for other forms particular, is expected to railway tools and equipment, friction of transportation: in increase an average of buffer stops and ballast stabilisation. particular, investment nearly 10% annually from All these products are compatible with in sea ports is expected 2014 to 2025. In contrast, all rail profiles. to grow at a similar rate non-mineral exporting to that in roads due to countries like Poland In addition, Thermitrex is accredited both increased consumer and Hungary will have with SANAS (South African National demand and commodity much slower growth in Accreditation System) for on-site exports. Airport spending transport spending. laboratory services. Thermitrex is is also expected to accredited with ISO-9001:2008 quality increase, particularly The purpose at PwC is to management systems. during the first half of the build trust in society and forecast period as the first solve important problems. SPIRIT serves to define values which stage of development of A network of firms in are important for our group and which the new airport in Mexico 157 countries with more influence and characterise us. As a City gets under way. than 208,000 people is group of companies, the 120 years committed to delivering of success is attributed to our values quality in assurance, and these remain the cornerstone for advisory and tax services. future development.

www.railwaysafrica.com 49 TANZANIA RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015 Tanzania’s DIKKM line For many years, economic growth in East Africa has Rukia Shamte, executive secretary of the Central been hamstrung by the lack of an efficient railway Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency network. The metre-gauge railways serving the two (CCTTFA), based in Tanzania, notes that as the regional regional majors, Kenya and Tanzania, renowned for project involves three countries, the CCTTFA will be efficiency forty years ago, deteriorated badly in the coordinating body. It has formed its own delivery recent times through underinvestment and indifferent mechanism with the participating states, which will maintenance. coordinate the project and monitor progress, thereby ensuring that implementation continues on schedule. In terms of the current East African Railway Master The 1,661km DIKKM involves the construction of a Plan, members of the East African Community have new 970km standard gauge track from Dar es Salaam resolved to build new standard gauge railways in a to Isaka in north-eastern Tanzania. From Isaka, a network linking the various countries. Kenya started completely new route is to be built to the town of Keza, construction of its new line from Mombasa in May 2014 near the borders of Rwanda and Burundi. At Keza, two with a signing ceremony between the governments of new lines will run to Musongati in Burundi (107km) and Kenya and China (which is assisting with financing). Kigali in Rwanda (494km).

Tanzania took a step forward recently with preparations The capacity of the existing metre gauge railway – for its own new standard gauge railway which will were it to have adequate infrastructure and rolling start at the port of Dar es Salaam. In July 2015, the stock – is about five million tons a year, Ms Shamte governments of Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania called explains. According to estimates, it is currently for expressions of interest (EoI) in constructing what it carrying only about 2% of this. A feasibility study of calls the DIKKM line, DIKKM being an acronym derived the DIKKM project by Canarail/GIBB was completed from the major points served - Dar es Salaam, Isaka, in 2014. Among other things, it investigated possible Kigali, Keza and Musongati. private-public partnership options. In addition, the study’s analysis of existing and potential traffic flows projected that rail tonnage would double to 10 million tons by 2020 and, by 2050, that figure could nearly double again.

Present station at Dar es Salaam Photo: Richard Grönstedt.

Trains on the existing metre gauge railway. Photos: M Torrington and the Tanzanian ministry of transport.

50 www.railwaysafrica.com 5-2015 RAILWAYS AFRICA TANZANIA

Currently, major upgrades are being carried out at the “Time is running out,” Ms Shamte says. “As long as the port of Dar es Salaam in anticipation of it handling preferred bidder can meet the conditions required greatly increased rail freight volumes. in the RFP, we would be comfortable with either one company or a consortium of companies undertaking The new railway will be built primarily for freight the project.” though passenger trains will also be operated. Asked whether the governments of the respective countries Asked whether the three governments involved have would subsidise passenger services, Ms Shamte laid down deadlines for the construction of the new explains that subsidisation by a “reluctant government” line, Ms Shamte explains that they want it running might be necessary. “Doubtless they (government and “yesterday”. If construction hasn’t started by the end the rail company) will work something out,” she says. In of 2016, she says, “at least financial closure should have terms of national bulk logistics, the coming of a railway been completed.” will be a milestone for Rwanda and Burundi, neither of which has any rail service at present. Both countries During the construction of the new line, which will be being landlocked, freight has to be trucked either to built parallel to the existing metre-gauge railway, rail a railhead in Tanzania or all the way to Dar es Salaam traffic will not be interrupted. However, the existing (approximately 1,000km). Roads in East Africa are, by line will also play a key role in the construction of the and large, in poor condition, and the lack of an efficient new DIKKM line, Ms Shamte says. “Once the new line is railway compounds this logistical bottleneck. operational, the old Dar es Salaam to Isaka line will die a natural death,” she explains, adding that the materials Ms Shamte explains that there have been no recent from this section could be used to keep other branch revisions to the cost estimate for the project. According lines operating. Regarding the other branch lines in to the project website, www.dikkmrail.com, initial Tanzania, Ms Shamte expects that the Tanga to Arusha capital investment, including rolling stock, in the and Isaka to Mwanza lines will continue to be operated new standard railway are expected to be between without being converted to standard gauge for some $US5-6 billion. Of this Tanzania’s share will be some time to come. 60%, Burundi’s approximately 22% and Rwanda’s share about 18%. The EoI document states that the However, the line from Tabora to Kigoma and the new line will reduce transport costs and improve the branch to Mpanda will be converted to a standard competitiveness of the three countries involved. It gauge. “Mpanda is an important railhead for the will contribute to reduction of poverty, offer easy and movement of grain from the south,” she points out. affordable access to Dar es Salaam, accelerate the economic development and exploitation of untapped In South Africa, the government is actively encouraging natural resources and provide a sustainable competitive the movement of rail-friendly freight from road to advantage for the movement of goods in the region. rail. A similar initiative by the DIKKM line stakeholders is a possibility, Ms Shamte says. “Competition in the The EoI document makes it clear that the commissioning logistics market should be fair.” Ensuring that the new countries are flexible about the nature of the winning line attracts viable tonnages is seen as an absolute bidder as long as construction of the new line proceeds priority. “We are currently getting letters of intent to with alacrity. The client countries are looking for a use the DIKKM line from some of the larger potential company or consortium with the “capacity to finance, railway clients,” she concludes. design, construct, operate and maintain the line under a PPP arrangement”. The successful bidder could be part of a public-private partnership that would see to all (or some) of the aspects of building the new railway.

www.railwaysafrica.com 51 POLICY AND REGULATIONS RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015 Green Paper on National Rail Policy Speaking at the Transport Forum Month of Transport celebration held on 1 October 2015, Department of Transport (DoT) director of rail policy and strategy development Hlengiwe Sayd provided an overview of the recent Green Paper on National Rail Policy.

The theme of the event, hosted by Rail Challenges in South Africa Poorly performing branch lines, she the University of Johannesburg, was Discussing current rail challenges added, disorganised institutional “Trends in policy development for in South Africa she noted the arrangements, uncoordinated transport”, and this recent paper following: rail transport planning, economic has been a hot topic within the self-regulation, inadequate skills rail sector. Infrastructure Limitations development and job creation, insufficient rail safety and security In her opening, Sayd briefly • Difficult terrain, tight curves and management and the lack of funds outlined the necessity for a steep gradients; all contribute to the challenges national rail policy. Railways in • Limitations imposed by the faced in this sector. South Africa, she said, have lagged narrow gauge, e.g. the effect on speed. increasingly far behind other rail The Railway Renaissance systems, to the point where they Over-age Equipment As a mode of transport, rail no longer compete effectively possesses a number of inherent • Metrorail & Shosholoza Meyl against other transport modes in advantages and opportunities. Its designs date from the 1950s & capturing their rightful share of competiveness should be exploited 1960s; national freight and passenger in terms of increasing axle loads, • Tendency to refurbish assets transport; and inadequately speed and train length. These to existing standards instead support South Africa’s exports technologies naturally support of new; into global markets. This is due four freight-rail markets, namely: • Outdated signalling and to several challenges and historic general freight, heavy-haul, heavy train braking technologies, events. Lack of policy direction fast-moving consumer goods and compromising safety. and appropriate institutional heavy intermodal. frameworks as well as the absence Capitalised Maintenance of a strategic approach to major Government recognises the urgent new rail investment decisions have • Significant capital spent need for rail revitalisation through exacerbated the situation. In order on maintenance. centralised rail planning, investment to steer the various role players strategy and decision-making, towards consistent strategic reform The Unsustainable Status Quo which should all be driven by the therefore, and to ensure future • Narrow gauge precludes the Department of Transport, Sayd said. sustainable development of the implementation of full-strength rail industry - over a realistic time heavy-haul and the double With this in mind, recommended period and in an affordable manner stacking of containers. policy positions should be outlined - a national policy is required. according to the following: • Investment Sayd referred to South Africa’s • Funding and private National Development Plan which sector participation identifies outdated, malfunction- • Centralised rail prone railway technology as transport planning straining the road network and calls • Rail economic regulation for focus on total transport system • Institutional arrangements efficiency to maximise the strengths • Skills development and of the different modes, cut General freight. Photo: Jacque Wepener. job creation inefficiencies and reduce disparities. • Safety and security The policy positions put forward in Low performance is another the Green Paper are directly aligned challenge faced by railways. With a Investment to this vision. relatively high infrastructure fixed cost component, rail is more cost- Infrastructure & Track Gauge effective over lengthy distances but Investment should be geared less so when traffic volume is low. for a move towards standard gauge infrastructure on a high- In Sayd’s view, a reduction of the performance core network, overall South African network stimulating railway renaissance in length by two-thirds, without heavy-haul, high-speed intercity, material loss of traffic, would double stacking, and contemporary go a long way to increasing urban rail. Transnet Freight Rail line density to approximate that of its BRIC • Urban rail & narrow gauge – fellows; and usefully reduce the where appropriate, for urban Heavy-haul: Umfolozi bridge. Photo: TFR. infrastructure fixed cost component. rail, the existing network should

52 www.railwaysafrica.com 5-2015 RAILWAYS AFRICA POLICY AND REGULATIONS

continue to be used, suitably Potential private sector funding maintained and extended where models include: justified. The rest of the narrow • Private involvement in gauge network can either be operations or the provision of exploited where required or be assets such as rolling stock; disposed of. • Public-private partnerships (e.g. • Timing – The timing of gauge Gautrain); change would be informed • Leveraging the commercial by demand and capacity value of railway land and the requirements, and should be development opportunities determined on a case-by-case around stations. Branch line. Photo: Jacque Wepener. basis. The appropriate gauge strategic should be subsidised by should be determined in each Private Sector Participation government. case by feasibility studies. Government should invite private sector participation to invest in Non-strategic branch lines should Funding and Private projects where it cannot presently be vertically integrated concessions, Sector Participation afford to invest, or where value for and non-strategic economically Funding money can be demonstrated for a viable or marginal branch lines that private sector risk premium. TFR chooses not to operate should • The fiscus or through be concessioned at government’s instruments secured via discretion. Government, through its government guarantee – e.g. Branch Lines SOCs and agencies, should retain the Passenger Rail Agency of Branch lines should be categorised ultimate ownership of all below-rail South Africa (Prasa); as strategic or non-strategic. The infrastructure assets. • Financial instruments secured criteria for strategic branch lines by the balance sheet of a state- include the following: food, security, owned company (SOC) e.g. developmental infrastructure and Centralised Rail Transnet Freight Rail; the upliftment of rural communities. Transport Planning • Debt and equity financing; Additionally strategic branch lines Planning and communication • Private sector participation, should be vertically separated between all relevant bodies should where the private sector is concessions and the financially non- be coordinated by the Department willing to fund and bear the risk. viable branch lines categorised as of Transport (DoT). Planning must

Leading Edge Railway Signalling Technology Effective control of trains is essential for the efficient scheduling and safety of rail services. Where railway lines interface with the public at level crossings, predictive control systems do much to ensure safety both for the rail operator and the public. Our principal businesses include the design, manufacture and supply, repair, refurbishment, installation, testing and commissioning as well as the maintenance of comprehensive railway signalling systems and projects, including the system integration of railway signalling systems. evoLIGHT evoYARD As a leader in the field of railway signalling, ERB Technologies is available for in-depth consultation and pre-project feasibility studies.

www.erbtechnologies.co.za Local South African Manufacturer

evoTRACK evoCROSS Telephone: +27 (0)11 314 8528 | E-mail: [email protected]

www.railwaysafrica.com 53 POLICY AND REGULATIONS RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015 consider interoperability issues with implementation, strategic Skills Development neighbouring countries although planning, leadership and and Job Creation revitalisation must not be at the all decisions relating to A competitive, revitalised rail expense of the region. A defined rail revitalisation. industry will set the stage to attract investment strategy is required to • The Department of Public potential job seekers. Government revitalise rail, and a new standard Enterprises should remain recognises the need for revised and gauge core network for general responsible for overall up-to-date training programmes freight and passenger services must governance and oversight, to that address the requirements of be built. ensure that Transnet effectively a revitalised rail industry. Current fulfills its mandate as envisioned training techniques, curriculum by revitalisation interventions. material and learning aids require review to identify and address Role of Provincial Governments current training inadequacies. • Formulation of provincial transport policy and strategy; Safety and Security and planning and coordination Rail safety & security will form an of land transport functions. integral part of rail revitalisation. • It is critical that provincial The RSR should continue governments should align their performing its function in ensuring plans with the objectives and railway safety. The South African sequencing of the interventions Police Service Protection and in national rail policy and the Intercity passenger rail. Photo: Jacque Wepener. Security Services Division (Railway associated plans and strategies police) should continue to be developed by DoT. Rail Economic Regulation responsible for law enforcement Government recognises that within the rail environment. Role of Local Governments economic regulation is required to Operator-owned or outsourced ensure fairness, competition, and • In accordance with the security services will be the first line long-term sustainability in the rail provisions of the National of defence to protect passengers, sector. Land Transport Act (NLTA), personnel and assets, and land transport functions manage safety and security in the A Rail Economic Regulator (RER) should be assigned to the rail setting. should be established to: most appropriate sphere of • Promote equity of access to government. It should be noted In essence, the Green Paper rail infrastructure and services, that many local governments do proposes evidence-based as well as to investment not have the required capacity. interventions designed to revitalise opportunities where relevant; • Prasa should continue operating South African’s railways. It proposes • Ensure reasonable access and urban commuter rail. the revitalisation of rail in South fair pricing to train operators Africa through the implementation and concessionaires; Role of Operators / of strategically focused, • Regulate market entry and exit Infrastructure Owners investment-led interventions. These and service levels; • Freight rail: should continue to interventions will ensure improved • Resolve commercial disputes; be exclusively operated by TFR rural access, increased mobility • Determine fair and reasonable on a vertically integrated basis – and increased job creation with the tariffs for using rail except where the private sector rail sector through infrastructure infrastructure and services, is invited to participate (branch construction and will contribute to which will inform the approval lines and other) through economic development. of tariff requests received from exclusively private operators or the respective entities. a combination of TFR / private In closing, Sayd invited all written operators. comments and inputs on the The RER should be included in • Passenger rail, commuter rail Green Paper – published in the the Single Transport Economic and long distance passenger rail Government Gazette and the Regulator (STER). Until the RER should continue to be operated Departmental website – to be is established there should be by Prasa. provided within 60 days after an Interim Railway Economic its publication. This will ensure Regulatory Capacity (IRERC), participation from all sectors whose purpose would be to gain on rail issues, and facilitate the a better understanding of industry development of appropriate and / economic regulatory practices, concrete policy statements in the establish consultation structures, final White Paper on National Policy. and address capacity constraints.

Institutional Arrangements Role of National Government • DoT should remain responsible for policy formulation, coordination of policy Urban commuter rail (Prasa).

54 www.railwaysafrica.com

MISHAPS RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015

One objective of our regular feature reporting and commenting on rail mishaps is to provide information and object lessons from Mishaps Africa and abroad, in the hope that - in some cases at least - this might help avoid recurrences.

MODDER RIVER DERAILMENT

South Africa’s Rail Safety Regulator (RSR) issued imported from Spain, overturned, together with a preliminary report on the 18 August derailment four coaches. A further seven coaches derailed but at Modder River, south of Kimberley. Apparently remained upright. The last four vehicles did not derail. engineering work by Transnet Freight Rail was in progress in connection with restoring the section to People on the train were taken to hospital in Kimberley, double track. A new crossover had been installed, where four were detained with injuries. Fifty-eight were with a speed restriction of 30km/h. A warning board treated for shock. Damage was recorded to 300 metres was provided 1.5km in advance of the diversion but of track, four overhead traction supply poles, the its presence was not notified by Transnet Freight Afro4000 locomotive and eleven coaches. Rail to Prasa (the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa). Shosholoza Meyl passenger train 71010 from Data downloaded from the locomotive, and used in the investigation, Johannesburg to Cape Town ran through the crossover was in Spanish, the RSR said. at approximately 81km/h, a half hour before midnight. Anton van Schalkwyk took the photo (at right) more than a month after The driver evidently did not see the warning board, the derailment. Though still lying in the dust, the battered Afro4000 which he did not expect. The locomotive, newly loco is no longer on its side.

LONG ISLAND PANDEMONIUM AT MUIZENBERG DERAILMENT Commuters on their way home to the southern peninsula had a nasty shock on 8 October Two out of 16 when their train burst into flames at Muizenberg. Three teenagers allegedly put off for wagons in a having the wrong tickets evidently signified their displeasure by throwing something New York and highly inflammable into the train. The passengers quickly made their way out (no injuries Atlantic freight were reported) and the driver managed to uncouple the front coaches and draw them train carrying away. However, three vehicles were totally burned out before the crew from the nearby construction fire station – who had to wait for the power to be turned off – could do their best with the materials derailed blaze. A cloud of dense black smoke obscured the station. west of Hicksville, Long Island, on Two questions – what caused such a huge fire so quickly, and what was there in the coaches that burned so fiercely? 15 September. No injuries were reported. A 30 metre section of track was damaged, leaving only one running line open. Passenger service was resumed but did not return to normal until the affected track was repaired. The journeys of about 35,000 commuters were delayed.

56 www.railwaysafrica.com Rail Recovery Equipment, On-site Lifting, and Portable Emergency Lighting.

12 Laser Park Square Tel: +27 11 794-2910 34 Zeiss Road Email: [email protected] Laser Park Web: www.yalejhb.co.za Honeydew South Africa

Yale_RL313_RailRecovery.indd 1 2015/09/14 1:50 PM MISHAPS RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015

SHOULD NOT BE Leaving Johannesburg on Sunday In this situation, they [passengers] PAYING PASSENGERS at 12:30, the train reached Cape might keep yelling at you, but the The Railway Safety Regulator is Town on Tuesday at 07:30 – 16 customer has the right to complain. quoted saying that, although the hours late. It was stranded in the testing and commissioning phases Karoo, nowhere near a station, “We want the train to be are inclusive of testing stock under “with no access to food or water, the backbone of the public actual operational conditions, for 14 hours.” She said the kitchen transport system.” such trains should not have paying was closed after breakfast. During passengers on board. the day, passengers appealed to SLEEPERS ON TRACK the staff for something to drink but DERAIL 9 WAGONS “If there are passengers, they stocks in the dining car had run should be non-paying passengers low. “Eventually the staff relented Norfolk Southern 44-car Intermodal such as technical staff members, and everyone got one cup of tea train 204-29 derailed nine wagons who are part of the testing at around 17:00, with food finally on the single main-line track at and commissioning,” regulator arriving at 19:45. Marshall, Virginia (approximately spokesman Babalwa Mpendu 80km west of Washington, DC) on explains. “In the heat, on a train track littered 30 September, when it collided with with human faeces from the toilet a pile of sleepers on the track. Some Two Turkish tourists on board the facilities that washes straight onto wagons overturned. All trains which train that derailed at Modder River the railway line, Prasa offered no operate between Manassas and said they were not aware of any help whatsoever. Their staff were Lynchburg were delayed. A number testing or commissioning when they as helplessly stranded as the of trains were rerouted. purchased their tickets. “We did passengers, and completely not know the train was not in full under-equipped to deal with The train’s two-man crew suffered operational condition.” the situation.” no injury.

DOUBLE SUICIDE AT EAST LONDON-JBG – EALING BROADWAY A 22 HR ORDEAL

The coroner at an inquest in London The Shosholoza Meyl intercity returned a verdict of double suicide passenger train that left East in the case of two women who died London on Sunday 4 October at Ealing Broadway station in June. expected to be in Johannesburg According to evidence, the 36-year- on Monday morning. Passengers old mother and her 17-year-old were hopeful that it would be a daughter dined at a fastfood outlet, little late, because the scheduled then took a bus to the station. arrival time is 05:00. Their wishes On the platform they linked arms were granted on 5 October – they and jumped in front of a train, to reached Johannesburg on Tuesday LONG ISLAND DERAILMENT the horror of waiting commuters. 6 October at something after 15:00, BLOCKS PENN STATION Loudspeaker announcements more than 22 hours late. appealed to passengers to stop On 23 September, an empty train taking pictures of the bodies. The express – well, perhaps that derailed as it was pulling out of the isn’t quite the right word – ran into West Side Yard on its way to New STRANDED IN THE KAROO trouble approaching Queenstown. York’s Penn Station in Manhattan, Evidently there was something shortly before 17:00. Due to its On 30 September, a Shosholoza wrong with the locomotive, because partially obstructing train access Meyl intercity train travelling from after a wait of about five hours, it into the station, the Long Island Johannesburg to Cape Town was replaced with another. That one Railroad (LIRR) was forced to was stranded near Nelspoort in didn’t get very far before it, too, cancel 13 trains during the evening the Karoo, between De Aar and broke down. rush hour. The entrance to Penn Beaufort West, following the Station was not blocked completely, theft of overhead electric cables. Passengers were hazy about what but LIRR was unable to get enough Passenger Rail Agency of South happened – or didn’t happen – next. trains in to meet the timetable. Africa (Prasa) spokesperson Lesedi In the course of something like 17 Repair crews worked through the Mapheto told News24: “We made hours, during which the dining car night and the following morning’s a number of contingency plans, ran out of everything, everyone schedule was back to normal. including having extra food, water transferred to a bus. and firstaid for people who required AUSTRALIAN CANE it.” After power was restored, The Passenger Rail Agency of TRAIN DERAILS passengers were given the option of South Africa (Prasa) confirmed continuing their journey by bus. the incident to News24, which On 25 September, a power pole was was following it up. Spokesperson brought down by a cane train that This report brought reaction Lesedi Mapheto confirmed the derailed near Ingham, Australia. It from a News24 reader who said train’s locomotive had to be took an hour before live wires at the the situation was somewhat replaced twice, and apologised for accident scene were disconnected. understated. what happened. “We expect our The driver is believed to be unhurt. staff to be professional,” he said,“…

58 www.railwaysafrica.com 5-2015 RAILWAYS AFRICA MISHAPS

Railways Africa connect online

DERAILMENT IN DERAILMENT IN were not applied so as to bring RANDOLPH COUNTY OKLAHOMA CITY the train to a stand before the collision. The train stopped sharply, Nine out of 16 empty coal wagons Eight Union Pacific wagons and with the buffer stop moving that derailed in Randolph County, two locomotives came off the track back a short distance. Fourteen Indiana, on 2 September were on on 20 September in Oklahoma passengers reported injuries, their sides but the other seven City, leaving two crew members two were taken to hospital but remained upright. The train was injured. No hazardous material was released later the same day. There headed west, parallel to Highway involved as the train was carrying was minor damage to the buffer Indiana 32. No injuries were scrap paper and metal. The line was stops and the outside of the train, reported but roads in the area cleared but some wagons remained but a number of interior fittings were disrupted for some time while derailed at the site. An investigation were dislodged during the impact cranes were brought in to deal with into the cause of the accident and one passenger was struck the derailed rolling stock. continues. by a detached lighting diffuser. The Rail Accident Investigations KINGS CROSS BUFFER Branch (RAIB) is looking into the COLLISION incident and will issue a report in due course. The investigation will Shortly after noon on 17 September include examination of the regime 2015, the 10:55 from Cambridge, a for training and supervising trainee four-car class 317 electric multiple drivers, as well as the design and unit, driven by a trainee driver performance of the buffer stops, under supervision, collided with and the consequences of the the platform 11 buffer stops at collision within the train, including King’s Cross station, London, at the performance of the fixtures about 8km/h. The train came in and fittings. Derailment in Randolph County at normal speed, but the brakes GM848 PRESSLINK_VANRAIL Keeping air FLOWing eFFicientLy

Tel: +27 (0)12 653 4595 105 Theuns Street, Hennopspark, Centurion, 0157 Fax: +27 (0)12 653 6841 PO Box 51063, Wierda Park, 0149, South Africa Email: [email protected] www.vanrail.co.za

GM848 Vanrail Half pg Ad_RA.indd 1 www.railwaysafrica2013/09/19.com 59 12:39 PM MISHAPS RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015

MULTIPLE DERAILMENTS the express resumed its journey. FIRE ON BRITISH AT MUMBAI Nobody was injured in the incident. COMMUTER TRAIN

A succession of derailments BIKE ON THE TRACK On 8 September, a morning peak- caused widespread delays to hour commuter train caught fire Mumbai commuter trains in mid- A bicycle apparently discarded on at Warwick Parkway station. There September. Services on the Central the track was hit by a train on 14 were 150 passengers on board the Railway were disrupted when five September. The train was put out of 07:46 Leamington to Worcester coaches of a local train entering action and services were disrupted train which was evacuated when Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) at four Harlem Line (New York) flames erupted in the running gear – said to be the busiest station in stations - Williams Bridge, Botanical of a coach at the rear. Other trains the world - derailed; no one was Garden, Tremont and Melrose. were held up while the local fire injured but rolling stock and track department dealt with the blaze were severely damaged. Meanwhile TRAIN STRIKES EMPTY and a replacement bus service was eight coaches of the Mysore-Ajmer VEHICLE ON LINE arranged. express derailed near Pune in the evening, injuring five passengers. A northbound passenger train with SCHOOLGIRL ROBBED On 14 September, two coaches of more than 200 people on board ON CAPE TOWN TRAIN a train from Bandra derailed on struck an empty vehicle on the the harbour line between Masjid track near Palo Alto, south of San A 15-year-old schoolgirl was robbed Bunder and the CST terminus. Four Francisco, on 12 September. No of her cellphone and slapped across commuters sustained injuries and one was hurt in the accident but her face on a train between Cape were admitted to hospital. services were delayed due to single Town and Pinelands. Metrorail line working round the point of regional manager Richard Walker collision. was quoted saying: “We are working with other law-enforcement TWO BRITS DEAD IN agencies in a continuous effort INDIAN DERAILMENT to combat crime on stations and trains.” Resources on trains and On 12 September, two British stations are deployed strategically, women tourists died when three he explains. but police and security vehicles in a four-coach train cannot be everywhere at once. derailed on the narrow gauge Kalka- There have been 172 reported Shimla line in India. A third person incidents of crime on trains and is believed to have died in hospital stations this year. Metrorail uses and three were badly injured. A 872 protection service employees, TEN ETHANOL further seven were also admitted 1,200 private security guards and TANKCARS DERAIL to hospital. Altogether there were 400 ordinary police members. 37 British tourists on the chartered Mobile teams travel on trains. These On 19 September, 10 tankcars train. include undercover and an armed carrying ethanol in a Burlington intervention tactical response team Northern Santa Fe Railway of 80. (BNSF) 98-wagon train derailed between the towns of Scotland DERAILMENT AT DALBRIDGE and Lesterville in south-east South Dakota. Two caught fire, but this The Durban-Johannesburg was contained by local agencies overnight Shosholoza Meyl express, and no adjoining properties were barely into its journey, was involved affected. One rural road was shut in a derailment at Dalbridge on the down temporarily to aid firefighters night of 30 August. Further detail working to extinguish the blaze at a is not available, but it is believed a bridge south-east of Scotland. wheel fault was responsible. Kalka-Shimla derailment. RAJDHANI EXPRESS DERAILS FIVE COACHES DERAIL SUBWAY TRAIN DERAILS IN TAMIL NADU The two leading wheels of IN BROOKLYN the locomotive hauling the The Chennai Egmore-Mangalore Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Rajdhani Three people were reported hurt Express derailed five coaches at Express derailed shortly before after a subway train carrying about Puvanur in Vriddhachalam. At reaching Tatanagar station on 100 passengers derailed on 11 least 38 passengers were injured 18 September. The 18 coaches, September in Brooklyn, New York, near Cuddalore, about 200km carrying some 900 passengers, but the incident disrupted trains from Chennai. Services were were quickly moved from platform running in both directions on the badly disrupted, with some trains 2 to the adjoining platform 3 and a G Line and necessitated a number rerouted. new engine was procured. After a of service adjustments. These were delay of about an hour and a half, likely to continue throughout the weekend, officials said.

60 www.railwaysafrica.com “I choose Cat for longevity” Charles Nel, Aveng manufacturing Lennings Rail Services

Lennings started business in the 1960s. Our journey with Caterpillar started in 1982 with the arrival of grinding machines which were fi tted with Cat 3408 engines. This has resulted in an extremely successful relationship with Barloworld Power.

For more information on Barloworld Power, visit us at www.barloworldpower.com or call 0860 898 000

© 2015 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, BUILT FOR IT™, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow,” the “Power Edge”trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

0098 Power Ads Testimonial (A4) Lenings.indd 1 2015/04/13 3:13 PM MISHAPS RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015

SITAKUNDA, BANGLADESH, CAPE COMMUTER ACCIDENT TRAINS AT RISK

The locomotive and four coaches In the past year, 394 incidents of of the inter-city Bijoy Express from crime on trains were reported in Mymensingh derailed when they the Western Cape, according to collided with a trailer truck stranded Metrorail. The Congress of South on the tracks at Barhbkunda. There African Trade Unions (Cosatu) was one fatality. The accident cut insists that Prasa is responsible for links between Chittagong and the providing adequate security for SIGNAL COLLAPSES rest of Bangladesh. Four trains were commuters. Their argument hinges ACROSS UK TRACK stranded at Chittagong and five on a 2004 Constitutional Court others coming in were stopped at landmark case, in which Metrorail The UK Rail Accident Investigation stations along the line. argued that the South African Branch (RAIB) has issued its report Police Service (SAPS) bears the on a 17 November 2014 incident KATHUA DERAILMENT primary responsibility for ensuring when a train travelling at 177 km/h the safety of commuters. The court struck the top of a signal which Three wagons of a Delhi-Jammu found that Metrorail, at that time had collapsed and fallen across the goods train derailed at Kathie on 24 a business within Transnet and line near Newbury. The signal post August, disrupting traffic between now a branch of the Passenger completely obstructed one track Jammu and Pathankote. Nobody Rail Agency (Prasa), was in fact and partially obstructed that on was reported hurt in the accident, obliged to “ensure that reasonable which the train was travelling. There which occurred near Kathua station. measures are taken to provide for were no injuries and the train did A number of other trains were the security of rail commuters whilst not derail, but it did sustain some delayed by the incident. they are making use of rail transport exterior damage. The outcome services”. Crime on trains is still could have been much more rife, with an average of 33 crimes serious if the first train to encounter reported every month over the past the signal had been travelling at year, according to Metrorail. speed on the line that the signal had completely obstructed. The SRI LANKA DERAILMENT signal collapsed because the base of the post, which was of The derailing of a train between hollow tubular steel construction, the Maradana and Fort stations had corroded through, causing blocked several lines, causing delay an almost complete loss of wall to a number of services in Sri Lanka. thickness at and just above ground Derailment at Kathua. Many commuters were stranded at level. Corrosion had occurred to SA ACCIDENT STATISTICS the Maradana station as only one both internal and external surfaces; line remained in operation. internally because water had In the financial year to 31 March, entered the post and there was no OVERLOADED MINIBUS drainage for it to escape, while the 456 fatalities occurred on South HIT BY TRAIN African railways due to operational external corrosion was affected by problems and just under 1,500 the base being buried in ballast, Fifteen people were killed on people suffered injuries. Collisions which held water around the 17 August when the driver of a accounted for most of the base and damaged the protective minibus-taxi apparently lost control, incidents, followed by derailments coating on the signal post. Signal left the road and plummeted onto and platform-change accidents. posts are subject to annual visual the KZN North Coast railway where Commuter accidents accounted examinations, but the examinations it was hit by a Metrorail passenger for 13 % and fires 12%. These of this signal did not detect the train. According to the authorities, figures were quoted in reply to problem because the main area of the vehicle, which was licensed to a question tabled in parliament corrosion was hidden by ballast, carry 16 people, was conveying 20. by the Freedom Front Plus. It and the examinations regime was Nobody on the train was hurt. was stated that South Africa has vulnerable to missing such defects. the 14th largest rail network in A separate examination in 2012 DERAILMENT AT for a resignalling project in the the world. The Railway Safety SPRING, TEXAS Regulator was quoted saying the area also did not detect the defect for similar reasons. Because the number of accidents occurring in On 10 August, the second the country – which cost just over defect was not detected, it was locomotive and six wagons in a not subsequently reported and R400 million - “are in line with freight train derailed in Spring, international norms.” remedied through maintenance. Texas. Union Pacific suspects that The investigation identified possible excessive heat may have caused underlying factors associated with track buckling. A hazmat crew was the management of ballast levels called in to deal with diesel fuel around post bases, competence leaking from the locomotive. The management of structures driver was not hurt. examiners and corporate knowledge about the original design specifications for signal structures.

62 www.railwaysafrica.com You do not have to be the biggest to be THE BEST... GM885 SHELTAM_PRESSLINK

Tel: +27 (041) 581 4400 Fax: +27 (041) 581 4474 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.sheltam.com 127 Villiers Rd Walmer 6070 PO Box 15148 Emerald Hill 6011 Port Elizabeth South Africa

GM885 Sheltam 'The Best' Advert_Full pg RA.indd 1 2013/04/17 4:43 PM MISHAPS RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015

TERRORIST DISARMED ON along the Garnant branch line in compliance with the requirements HIGH-SPEED TRAIN Carmarthenshire. Two track workers of the Rule Book, and measures rode on the Ironmen as far as to mitigate the risk of runaway Late on the afternoon of 22 August, Raven level crossing in order to of manually propelled plant. One a French passenger rose to use the shout a warning to colleagues who recommendation is made to toilet in a high-speed Thalys train were working there; the warning Permaquip (the manufacturer of the en route from Amsterdam to Paris. provided just enough time for their Ironman), relating to the design and At the same time a man emerged colleagues to get clear of the line. maintenance of the Ironman braking from the toilet wielding an Ak47 The two track workers received system. A further recommendation and a box cutter. The passenger minor injuries when they jumped is made to Torrent Trackside attempted to tackle him. A series off the Ironmen just before the (maintainer of the Ironmen involved of gunshots were fired and the crossing. The track workers were in the incident) relating to the passenger was hit. unable to control the speed of the maintenance of braking systems Ironmen on the descending gradient fitted to manually propelled plant. The gunman moved to the next towards Raven level crossing. coach, where he was confronted The incident occurred due to a RAILWORKERS IN NEAR MISS and subdued after a struggle during combination of the planning of the which he inflicted wounds on three work, the control of the work, the An investigation has found that nine American friends and a British speed at which the Ironmen were rail workers were just seconds away student, who tied him up. He was travelling and the performance of from being hit by a passenger train identified through fingerprints by the Ironmen’s brakes. with no warning of it approaching French counter-terrorism police at almost 160km/h. The track staff as Ayoub El-Khazzani, a Moroccan As a consequence of this were working on a bend with a national who was on their database. investigation, Britain’s Rail Accident restricted view on the West Coast Investigation Branch (RAIB) has main-line in Lancashire, south of RUNAWAY RAIL TROLLEY made six recommendations. One Hest Bank between Carnforth is to Network Rail, to improve the and Lancaster, when the near- At about 21:45 on 1 November design and testing of the brakes miss happened. A Rail Accident 2014, a pair of rail carrying trolleys, of manually propelled plant. Three Investigation Board (RAIB) report known as “Ironmen”, carrying a recommendations are made said the group should have received 16 metre length of rail, ran out of to Network Rail relating to the a warning of the approaching train control for approximately 8.7km planning of work using manually from a lookout with a clear view of propelled plant, arrangements for the track.

64 www.railwaysafrica.com 5-2015 RAILWAYS AFRICA MISHAPS

However, there was no warning “A previous RAIB recommendation and after seeing the approaching intended to mitigate this risk had Edinburgh to Manchester Airport not been implemented due to train, the workers had just four administrative errors. “It is probable seconds to jump out of the way that the lookout’s vigilance had before it hurtled past. Some staff degraded as he had been working were unable to reach a safe position continuously for almost two hours.” and had to press themselves against The RAIB said the track workers a bridge parapet, the report said. comprised contract staff and a Although no one was injured, the controller of site safety employed group was left shaken and work was by Network Rail. Plane crash LIRR. stopped for the remainder of the shift. The report said the incident, It has made two recommendations WASHINGTON DC which occurred in September last to Network Rail - covering the DERAILMENT year, was largely by human error: management of working time for “The incident was caused because tasks which depend on vigilance On 6 August, a Washington a lookout did not give a warning, and the circumstances in which the Metropolitan Area Transit Authority either because he operated lookout-operated warning system train derailed at the Smithsonian the wrong switch on his radio should be used. station in Washington DC. Nobody transmitter by mistake, or because was injured, as the train derailed he forgot about the need to send PLANE CRASHES before anyone boarded. The a warning during an intended ON CROSSING incident resulted in lengthy delays delay period between seeing the for commuters. The derailment train and operating the warning A small, single-engine plane crashed was caused by an unspecified switches. “This delay was because on to a Long Island, New York, track defect. Board members were he was positioned on a long section rail crossing on 16 August, killing horrified when they discovered of straight track and could see the pilot, injuring a passenger its existence had been known to approaching trains for significantly and shutting down service on management for at least a month. longer than the time required for a branch of North America’s The agency’s interim general the work group to move into a busiest commuter line. The plane manager was given 10 days to find position of safety. crashed on a crossing between the out why staff did nothing about it. Bethpage and Hicksville stations on the Long Island Railroad.

VTL 200 Diesel shunter, VTL 500 H Diesel-hydrostatic shunter, towing up to 1,000 t at 13 kmph towing up to 1,600 t at 10 kmph on flat on flat and 150 t at 2.5 kmph and 139 t at 10 kmph on 35‰ gradient on 35‰ gradient

VTB 1000 H Diesel-hydrostatic shunter with bogies, towing up to 1,600 t at 10 kmph on flat and 243 t at 10 kmph on 35‰ gradient

Permatool adv 180x120.indd 1 11/02/2015 09:25 www.railwaysafrica.com 65 HERITAGE RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015 Railway Preservation By John Batwell

Working Agreement Class 19D shopped for Western As the first step in the realignment of the major heritage steam Cape preservation locomotive operators in South Africa, Reefsteamers, Friends of Class 19D no 3321 has been returned to the Rail and the Sandstone Heritage Trust have formed a working full working condition for service on the agreement which will strengthen all three organisations through recently reopened Ceres branch line in the pooling of technical resources, training of personnel, and the Western Cape. This 4-8-2, built in the rationalisation of spares inventories. There is to be a joint 1948 by North British in Scotland, has marketing initiative. been stored “dead” at Voorbaai for the past eleven years. Reefsteamers is the largest operator of main line steam tourist trains in South Africa and runs regular schedules to Magaliesburg and further afield. They have a large stable of locomotives housed at the old Germiston steam locomotive sheds. They cooperate closely with their like-minded associates, Friends of the Rail in Hermanstad, Pretoria.

The Sandstone Heritage Trust stables a number of iconic steam locomotives at Reefsteamers premises in Germiston. This is over and above the 25 operating steam locomotives that Sandstone operates at its Free State site on narrow gauge for local and international enthusiasts alike. Class 19D 4-8-2 no 3321 has been put back into working order after 11 years “dead” at Voorbaai depot in the Southern Cape. Photo: G F de Bruin.

Reefsteamers Open Day In late October, an Open Day was held at Germiston to formally announce the liaison between the three preservation operators. The event included a tour of the Reefsteamers workshop, a luncheon One of the two Falcon 4-4-0 narrow gauge locomotives in Sandstone Heritage Trust’s and locomotives lit up for the day. working fleet. Photo: J Batwell collection.

SA steam calendar for 2016 The theme of next year’s steam calendar is the Garratt locomotive. In 1921, the first class GA Garratt (2-6-0+0-6-2) entered service in South Africa. It closely matched the class MH 2-6-6-2 Mallet in tractive effort, boiler capacity, grate area and axle loading, but was 46.7 tonnes lighter. In comparative tests, the Garratt took greater loads than the Mallet and its running times were better, while its coal and water consumption were lower. With the Garratt’s superiority established, no further Mallet locomotives were ordered by the South African Railways. Whenever an articulated locomotive was required for flexibility, reduced axle loading and high tractive force, the Garratt type was chosen.

For costings and order enquire via: Email: [email protected] Phone: 073 244 4962

66 www.railwaysafrica.com 5-2015 RAILWAYS AFRICA HERITAGE

Longest reigning monarch celebrates behind steam Thanks to bad weather at Balmoral, the royal party On Wednesday 9 September, Queen Elizabeth II and was 40 minutes late arriving by helicopter at Holyrood the Duke of Edinburgh, together with First Minister of Palace. From here they were driven through Edinburgh Scotland Nicola Sturgeon, travelled behind steam to to Waverley Station, where they boarded the special mark the reopening of the Borders Railway in Scotland. Pullman coach. A 20-minute stop was made at Some £294 million has been spent revamping the line, Newtongrange, where the Queen opened the new known as the Waverley Route, which was closed in station. 1969, during the dreaded Beeching era. The restored line was officially reopened at a function at Tweedbank station, with Queen Elizabeth acknowledging that she was now the longest reigning monarch in British history.

This historic day had an unusual South African connection. The steam locomotive that hauled the Royal Special was class A4 Pacific no 60009 Union of South Africa. It is one of six preserved survivors of the class, designed in 1935 by Nigel Gresley for the London and North-Eastern Railway, with the added advantage of being in full working order.

Gresley-designed A4 Pacific no 60009 Union of South Africa. Photo: The Sun.

Upgrading of two locos Sandstone Heritage Trust, as well gauge operations and they in In terms of the new arrangement, as class GMAM Garratt no 4079. turn maintain one of the finest two internationally famous Both these locomotives have narrow gauge steam locomotive locomotives are to be upgraded for been in operation in recent years refurbishment facilities in the main line running. These include but require substantial technical world, at the old steam workshops class 15F no 3052, originally upgrade and overhaul. In terms of in Bloemfontein. donated by the general manager a R1 million contract awarded to of the South African Railways to Reefsteamers by Sandstone, both “We are delighted that they internationally acclaimed wildlife locomotives will be brought back have entrusted us with this work. artist David Shepherd, and now into full operational service during Reefsteamers will be responsible in the custodianship of the the next nine months and will once for operating these locomotives in more grace the rails to the delight the future.” of steam enthusiasts. During a recent discussion with Shaun Ackerman, a director of David Shepherd in the United Reefsteamers, says: “It is essential Kingdom, he said, “I am overjoyed that clubs like ours receive external to hear that my locomotive will funding in order to maintain the be back in steam shortly. I have sophisticated workshop capability the fondest memories of my many that is necessary to keep these trips to South Africa where I was massive main line locomotives in privileged to see my 15F, no 3052, operation. We have the highest in steam.” regard for Sandstone’s narrow Class 15F 4-8-2 no 3052 is to be put back into running order with Sandstone’s financial support. Photo: Peter Cooper.

Sandstone’s class GMAM Garratt no 4079 working Reefsteamers’ Magaliesburg run. Photo: Aidan McCarthy.

www.railwaysafrica.com 67 END OF THE LINE RAILWAYS AFRICA 5-2015

WINDPOWER RUNS Education (BCRRE) at the University VOSSLOH WINS TRAM- DUTCH TRAINS of Birmingham and the State Key TRAIN ORDER Lab of Rail Traffic Control and Half of the Netherlands’ 2,890km rail Safety at Beijing Jiaotong University In 2012, Verkehrsverbund Mittelsachen network runs on wind power currently, (BJTU) in China. Expertise from both (VMS) placed an initial order for and it is intended to have the entire institutions will be developed as eight tram-trains for the first stage system entirely dependent on wind- part of a wider UK-China high-speed of a network including lines from generated electrical power by 2018. railway research platform. This aims Chemnitz to Burgstadt, Hainichen Energy procurement company Vivens to deliver leading railway research for and Mittweida. It has now ordered is to cooperate with Dutch energy the global industry. Earlier this year, four additional City Link tram-trains company Eneco in providing the the University of Birmingham signed from Vossloh, for use in the Chemnitz additional capacity. Wind power will a co-operation agreement on railway area. The bi-mode hybrid vehicles will come from within the Netherlands research and education with the operate on 600V/750V DC overhead as well as Belgium and Scandinavia. Chinese rolling stock manufacturer on tram lines in the city centre and in Altogether the system will require CSR Sifang. diesel mode on heavy-rail lines. The 1.4 terawatt hours of energy a year, Citylink vehicles have two powerpacks which is about the same demand as REPLACING LONDON’S fitted to the roof, comprising a diesel Amsterdam, the Global Construction CIRCLE LINE engine and a generator. Review reports. It takes about an hour for tube trains LARGEST EVER ORDER to complete London Underground’s FOR TRAINS 27km Circle Line at present. The line could be replaced with a travelator, Claimed to be the largest order says Architecture firm NBBJ. This ever placed for the supply of new would be quicker and increase the trains, state-owned China Railway number of people able to travel. Investment Corporation (CRIC) has The travelator would reduce overall invited tenders for 351 high-speed journey time by several minutes. by sets. Of these, 228 must be able to not stopping at stations. Instead, reach a maximum 350km/h and 123 passengers would step onto “feeder” must reach 250km/h. Reportedly the UK CAMPAIGN FOR walkways moving at 5km/h. These tenders could be worth more than would feed into a slow lane that $US10.6 billion. Only manufacturers FEMALE ENGINEERS accelerates to 10km/h and 14.5km/h in based in China may bid. illuminated tunnels. Research in the UK reveals that girls as young as seven have an CRIC was created earlier this year with the Existing travelators at Bank station on the merger of train manufacturers China North “unconscious bias” against the underground were installed 55 years ago. (CNR) and China South (CSR). engineering profession. Now thousands of schoolgirls are to be encouraged to consider a career on the railways. Network Rail chief engineer Jane Simpson joined the engineering industry as an apprentice aged 16 and is now NR’s most senior engineer, managing a 500-strong team of engineers and technicians across Britain.

SPANISH-ASSEMBLED VOSSLOH LOCOS FOR UK

Vossloh delivered an initial order to Britain for 15 class 68 diesel locos (2.8MW), five being used by Chiltern Jane Simpson: Network Rail chief engineer. Railways on passenger services from London Marylebone to Birmingham and Kidderminster. A follow-on order UK & CHINESE for 10 class 68 locos, placed in 2014, COLLABORATE ON is due for delivery soon. A third order, HIGH SPEED RAIL LAB just placed, for seven more class 68s, will take the fleet to 32. In addition In terms of a research cooperation to the class 68s, 10 class 88 UK dual agreement signed between the bi-mode locomotives have been University of Birmingham and ordered. These are to be equipped Beijing Jiaotong University, a joint for operation on the standard British international high-speed rail research 25kV ac electrification. Both 68 and laboratory is to be established. It will 88 class locos are being assembled be run jointly by the Birmingham by Vossloh at its Albuixech plant near Photo: Jacque Wepener. Centre for Railway Research and Valencia in Spain.

68 www.railwaysafrica.com

HIGH CAPACITY I PRECISION I RELIABILITY

Universal split units for high production plain track 3 sleeper continuous action tamping for and turnout tamping with 3rd rail lifting and high production plain track tamping with integrated stabilisation integrated stabilisation

Selecting the Right Tamping Machine is Essential for Productivity and Durability

Not all tamping machines are made equal. Plasser & Theurer has invested a great deal of research into creating the worlds highest production tamping machines which are renowned for its reliability, features and quality and durability of the tamped track.

Selecting the right machine supplier is however not the only important decision but further criteria for selecting the right machine is production, its position in the existing fleet whether it should be plain track or universal and if universal is selected, many different features must be considered such as 3rd rail lifting, split units etc.

Plasser South Africa (Pty) Ltd | PO Box 103, Maraisburg, 1700 | Tel: 011-761-2400 | [email protected]

SP1130 Plasser Ad-craig.indd 1 2015/04/23 9:52 AM