TFR branchline strategy

[John Ashworth]

TFR BRANCHLINE STRATEGY

On December 11, 2012 Railways Africa

From an official Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) release dated 3 December 2012:

• Branchlines (secondary network) are lines that connect two or more points of economic activity to either a primary rail or other secondary rail network.
• There are 33 branchlines across South Africa, some active and some closed.

“TFR’s branchline department was tasked with the revitalisation of branchlines as they play a critical role in the movement of freight as primary feeders to the broader and core network and will further assist in increasing volumes of freight in the migration-to-rail strategy in alignment with stakeholders and customers. “The branchlines will contribute positively in increasing volumes, improve efficiencies and safety in the region, providing responsive infrastructure, contribute to food security and the resuscitation of small and rural towns”, CEO Gama is quoted saying.

“Transnet is co-operating with various provinces and stakeholders in revitalising other parts of the branchline networks such as the completion of the Douglas-Belmont phase 2 upgrade that is targeted for completion by April 2013; plans are also afoot with branchlines and other opportunities in a number of provinces.

“In its effort, together with stakeholders, to migrate rail-friendly cargo from road to rail, TFR is anticipating to increase existing volumes and reclaim additional volumes across most of its business units in and out of these regions.”