Transnet Allocates Rail Slots to 11 Private Operators
Brought to you by SAnews: The Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) has formalised the allocation of rail slots to 11 private Train Operating Companies (TOCs), transitioning the national rail network from a single-operator model to a multi-operator environment.
In terms of the National Rail Policy and the framework for third-party access, this milestone increases the number of active operators on the network to 12, spanning five strategic corridors. The allocations were facilitated through the Ad Hoc Slot application process introduced in December 2025, which serves as a rules-based mechanism for capacity allocation outside the traditional annual cycle. This regulatory shift is intended to support the national objective of increasing rail volumes from 180 million tonnes (Mt) to 250Mt by 2030.
The following 11 entities have been allocated slots to operate across sectors including coal, manganese, containers, fuel, and general freight:
- ARC South Africa (ARC)
- The Railway Corporation
- MSC
- TLD Marine
- MENAR
- Sharp Logistics
- Barberry
- Grindrod
- Minrail
- IRACEMA
- Motheo Logistics and Interlinks
The current allocations are expected to introduce an initial 24Mt of freight capacity, with the potential to scale to 52Mt over the next five years. A specific short-haul service between Cato Ridge and Durban is targeted to commence operations in May 2026 to alleviate port congestion. Other TOCs are scheduled to begin operations between late 2026 and the conclusion of 2027.
TRIM is currently finalising Network Statement Version 4, which incorporates feedback from operators and financial institutions to improve the bankability of rail projects. This document will define the refined access framework, safety standards, and operational efficiency requirements for all participants in the rail marketplace.
What this means for you, your business, or your clients
- For yourself: You must familiarise yourself with the regulatory requirements of Network Statement Version 4 to provide accurate counsel on the legalities of third-party rail access and slot applications.
- For your business: Logistics and compliance firms must prepare for a multi-operator landscape, necessitating the development of new service-level agreements (SLAs) and risk management protocols for private rail usage.
- For your clients: Clients in the mining, automotive, and agricultural sectors should evaluate the 24Mt of additional capacity to renegotiate freight contracts and diversify their supply chain dependencies away from road transport.
Originally published at https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/transnet-announces-11-train-operating-companies