Transnet’s much publicized “back to rail” strategy is a much talked about concept within the transport industry, particularly the road freight industry, but with very little understood as to the what and wherefores of it all – until now.

At Transport World Africa’s business breakfast held at the Killarney Country Club on 19 April 2012 and hosted by FACE2FACE, a 3S MEDIA interactive forum, Siyabonga Gama, CEO of Transnet Freight Rail, detailed TFR’s “back to rail” strategy. Guided by TFR’s overriding market driven strategy (MDS), which focuses on bulk transport over distances greater than 250 km, TFR will develop its rail infrastructure along the main transport corridors and a handful of select branch lines where financial viability exists. Other than this TFR will privatise some branch lines and discontinue others.

It is also envisaged that TFR will establish product-oriented bulk depots e.g. manganese, iron ore, coal, chrome, and bulk general goods such as grain in select locations across the country.

Getting a product to depots, if a dedicated rail link is not viable, is an opportunity for the road freight transport industry. TFR is keen to talk to the road freight industry to explore how rail and road can work together to create an integrated and efficient transport service, and create jobs.

For Siyabonga Gama’s presentation click Back to Rail

Transport World Africa will be carrying a more detailed analysis of TFR’s “back to rail” strategy in its June/July 2012 edition. To subscribe to the magazine click here.