Transnet has started major repair and renewal work on the 861km Iron Ore Export Line, which runs from Sishen in the Northern Cape to the Port of Saldanha in the Western Cape.
The work is being done by Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) during the line’s yearly shutdown. According to SAnews, the shutdown runs from 6 to 16 October 2026.
“These interventions are designed to improve operational reliability, enhance safety and increase the corridor’s capacity to accommodate future freight demand,” TRIM said.
On Monday, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy inspected the maintenance work along the line. She was joined by Transnet Group Chief Executive Michelle Phillips and Group Chief Operating Officer Solly Letsoalo.
TRIM said the shutdown gives teams a set period to do heavy work that cannot be done while trains are running on the line.
The work includes replacing rails and sleepers, cleaning the stone ballast under the track and renewing turnouts. Teams are also fixing the ground the track rests on, putting in culverts and upgrading electrical and signal systems, TRIM said.
The government describes the line as a key export route. It said the line supports mineral exports and thousands of jobs in the transport and logistics chain.
TRIM said about 1,300 fixed-term jobs were created for the October maintenance work. It said a further 600 indirect jobs are expected from related business activity.
Small, medium and micro businesses are also taking part, according to TRIM. It said they are providing civil works, transport, equipment support, accommodation and other services.
The work is linked to government plans to open the freight rail network to other train companies. Under this plan, private Train Operating Companies can apply to run trains on Transnet’s tracks.
“While TRIM will continue to own, manage and maintain the rail infrastructure, approved TOCs will be able to access the network to move freight for customers, bringing greater competition, investment and capacity to the sector,” TRIM said.
TRIM said having more operators on the network means the tracks must be reliable and able to carry several companies’ trains safely. It said it will make sure access to the network is fair and open.
“Reliable rail infrastructure is fundamental to the success of South Africa’s rail reform programme,” TRIM said.
According to SAnews, the maintenance programme forms part of October Transport Month activities.
The government said the work also supports its goal of moving 250 million tonnes of freight by rail each year by 2030.
Source: this article is based on reporting by SAnews.gov.za. Image: GCIS via SAnews.gov.za. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Business desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Anelisa Nkuna covers business and money news for Tzaneen Voice. Anelisa reports on the rand, fuel prices, interest rates, jobs, Eskom, Transnet, farming and company results. The aim is simple: explain what the numbers mean for household budgets, small businesses and workers in South Africa.