Transnet to deliver last 15 BR carriages in May

STATE-run Transnet Engineering delivered on Tuesday the first batch of 22 passenger coaches engineered and manufactured at its facilities in Pretoria and Cape Town to Botswana Railways.
The coaches were transported to Gaborone on rail from the companys facility in Koedoespoort, east of Pretoria. The order is part of a purchase of 37 coaches.
Transnet Engineering Transnets specialist engineering, manufacturing and maintenance of railway rolling stock division will deliver the remaining 15 coaches by May.
The supply to Botswana Railways is a significant step in Transnets drive to establish itself as Africas premier manufacturer of rolling stock.
In the previous financial year, Transnets board adopted an Africa strategy that outlines the companys intention to extend its business beyond the borders of SA.
Regional integration of the freight system and the diversification of sources of revenue has been a key focus area for Transnet in recent years.
The company said its revenue from cross-border activities has increased from R1.5bn in 2014 to R2.6bn in 2015. As a percentage of revenue, the contribution of cross-border activities has grown from 2.6% in 2014 to 4.2% in 2015.
Transnet won the contract following a public and competitive bidding process in which it excelled on technological innovation, delivery schedule and pricing. The order is a key element of Botswana Railways plan to reintroduce its passenger rail service.
Transnets facilities in Koedoespoort and Salt River, Cape Town, boast modern features including roof-mounted air conditioners; state-of-the-art first-class sleeper designs; Wi-Fi technology; and entertainment systems.
Commenting on the delivery, Transnet Engineering CE Thamsanqa Jiyane said: This is a huge milestone towards our goal of becoming an original equipment manufacturer of distinction and Transnets objective to extend its business beyond the borders of the country, thereby positioning itself as a leading provider of logistics services in sub-Saharan Africa. (BUSINESS DAY)