SA government introduces 100 new locally built electronic trains

The government, particularly the Department of Transport, on Monday celebrated the addition of 100 new local built electronic trains which will help South African travel back and forth.

 Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula, Prasa, and Gauteng Premier David Makhura unveiled the new trains and went for a ride on Monday morning in Ekhuruleni. Mbalula accepted the delivery of the trains from the state-contracted manufacturing company, Gibela.

Mbalula said the trains were expected to be delivered in 2020 but were delayed due to Covid-19. Officials say through private partnership with government, the are working toward rehabilitating the railway line.

According to Mbalula, the construction of the trains created 2695 jobs since 2014. The trains can reach a speed of 120km/h and were built locally at the Gibela factory in Ekhuruleni metropolitan area in Gauteng. The speed can be adjusted to 160 km/h, said Gibela.

The new electronic trains can carry up to 1,200 people, they have climate control and CCTV footage. The key question asked is how the electronic trains work as the county struggles with power cuts would.

Gibela is a consortium which was created in 2013 and is in partnership with a French rail company called Alstom, which owns 70% while Ubumbano Rail owns 30%.

According to Gibela, they have a R51 billion contract to manufacture 600 trains which are expected to be complete and ready for use by 2028.

“As we celebrate the 100^th train set- we recognise the milestone as a giant leap towards an affordable integrated public transport network. Through this, the government recognises a milestone towards affordable integrated public transport and job creation.

“This is a massive testament to the government’s ambitious rail policy plans. When the government and Prasa envisioned South Africa’s fleet renewal programme, it was born out of the desire for a vibrant, capable and safe rail network that will give South Africans a dignified rail experience,” said Mbalula.

Source: IOL, ENCA, China.org.cn, image from IOL: Supplied

Doctor Mahlaule

Doctor Mahlaule previously worked as a Freelance Journalist at Find-it SA where he was responsible for writing news articles and sharing them on social media platforms. Doctor Mahlaule holds a Diploma in Journalism, BA in Communication Science and a BA Honours in Media Studies. Doctor began his journey as a knowledge Management and Communications Intern at Zenex Foundation. He was responsible for support in event management, social media, website maintenance, writing and brand management. On weekends Doctor attends prison ministry and shares the scriptures with inmates at Krugersdorp prison and plays soccer in the afternoon on some weekends. He has a passion for reading and writing and enjoys going out with friends and socialising in his spare time. He has a one-year-old son and is planning on getting married soon. When asked about what keeps him going, he said: “My family keeps me going. I’m the man I am because I come from a loving home. I have a very supportive family who always encourages me to keep pushing hard.”

See Full Bio