Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) is currently undertaking annual maintenance on one of its heavy-haul lines, the iron ore line, which is a 861 km line running from Sishen in the Northern Cape to Saldanha in the Western Cape.
During the shut – which commenced on 12 May 2026 and ends on 22 May 2026 – bulk rail replacement, extensive ballast screening, sleeper replacement, OHTE and signal maintenance are being undertaken.
Today, the Chairperson of the Board Dr Andile Sangqu had the opportunity to visit the team in the Northern Cape, led by TRIM CE Moshe Motlohi, to get an update on the work completed thus far, as well as the plans and learnings for the shuts which will take place over the next few months.
As part of the rail network rehabilitation programme, the iron ore line will now have two maintenance shuts annually, making use of the BFI funding announced by government to support key capital infrastructure projects and the implementation of key economic reforms. This means that more maintenance and rehabilitation work can be done on this critical infrastructure. The second shut will take place in the second half of the year.
The maintenance of the rail network ensures safer, more reliable and efficient operations, reducing speed restrictions, thus creating capacity for more slots.
