South Africa’s Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) has initiated a process for private-sector entities to bid to operate and invest in three siding facilities for a period of ten years in line with reforms under way to open up the rail network to third-party operators, cargo owners, and logistics service providers.

Request for proposals (RFPs) have been issued in relation to the Klaserie Siding in Limpopo, which handles coal and containers, as well as the Krugersdorp Siding in Gauteng and the Ngagane Siding in KwaZulu-Natal, which are consolidation hubs for coal but could also be developed to handle containers.

The three RFPs outline a multi-stage bidding process that includes prequalification, a functional evaluation, and a final price/preference assessment.

TRIM indicates that bidders must include proposals for rail-line refurbishments, loading facilities, drainage, lighting, security, fencing, access roads, and other upgrades.

As part of their bid responses, bidders are also expected to submit a plan that outlines their investment commitments, including details of how the siding would be optimally developed.

Through market-value-based rentals, with safeguards to preserve value, bidders are also expected to illustrate how they will facilitate improvements in turnaround times and road-to-rail efficiency, TRIM adds.

Safety, health, and regulatory compliance is a non-negotiable requirement and bidders are expected to include a valid broad-based black economic empowerment certificate in their bid submissions.

TRIM CEO Moshe Motlohi said the issuance of the RFPs underscores the entity’s ongoing commitment to transparent, market-based access to critical rail assets.

TRIM is responsible for the rail network having been vertically separated from the Transnet Freight Rail Operating Company in 2024 as part of ongoing reforms aimed at facilitating the entry of private train operating companies onto the rail system.

“By inviting private-sector participation under a long-term, regulated framework, we aim to strengthen partnerships, improve service delivery, and unlock value across our rail estate,” Motlohi said.

The bid submission deadline is April 30 and a non-compulsory virtual tender briefing will be held on Friday March 13.