Bombardier delivers first TRAXX locomotive to South Africa

In March 2014, Transnet Freight Rail awarded Bombardier Transportation the contract to supply 240 electric locomotives. Part of the National Infrastructure Plan, the investment of €30 billion will be used in the modernisation of the national rail system. The locomotives will be transporting coal and ore on long routes between mines, ports and urban areas. So far, 15 of the 240 electric multi-system locomotives have been completed and operation is expected to start on the Transnet Rail network at the beginning of 2018.

Aubrey Lekwane, Managing Director, Bombardier Transportation South Africa, said: “The handover and acceptance of the first TRAXX locomotive Africa is fantastic news. We are committed to South Africa through local production, a strong local supply chain, job creation and transfer of technology; in line with the latest localisation and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment programme (B-BBEE) requirements. We are proud to say that each TRAXX locomotive Africa for Transnet Freight Rail will be manufactured in South Africa.”

The locomotives will help to modernise the national railway system as the localised manufacturing supports the country-wide B-BBEE programme.

Over 60 per cent of the total contract value of approximately 15 billion Rand (€933 million, $1,099 million) will be spent on materials, components and services for the locomotives; all locally manufactured. The supply chain involves around 90 South African companies.

Bombardier’s factory in Isando, Johannesburg produces the Bombardier MITRAC high power propulsion equipment and the car bodies are produced by DCD in Boksburg. Transnet Engineering produces the bogies and undertakes final assembly, commissioning and static testing in Durban. 140 Bombardier employees are currently involved in the production of the 240 locomotives, and in total, Bombardier Transportation has created 300 jobs in South Africa, supporting the Government’s B-BBEE programme.