Transnet Unveils 200th Next-Generation Locomotive — A Major Breakthrough in South Africa’s Rail Revival

Transnet has reached a crucial turning point in its modernisation journey, unveiling the 200th Traxx 23E locomotive—a milestone that signals renewed momentum in South Africa’s rail and economic recovery efforts.

The locomotive forms part of the 240-unit fleet renewal programme, one of the most ambitious industrial undertakings in the state-owned company’s history. For Transnet Group Chief Executive Michelle Phillips, the achievement reflects not only engineering excellence but the strategic importance of modernising the freight rail network.

“Modernising our fleet is a critical component of the national mandate to lower the cost of doing business and enable economic growth. Today’s celebration of this milestone is a manifestation of our commitment to modernise our fleet and enhance freight capacity through sustained and focused investment in rolling stock assets,” Phillips said.

The milestone represents a powerful comeback story for Transnet. After years of operational setbacks, infrastructure failures and procurement delays, the engineering division has regained stability—supported by local manufacturing and renewed industrial capability.

A decisive shift occurred after a 2023 settlement with Alstom, which had taken over Bombardier, the project's original contractor. The agreement allowed Transnet Engineering to dramatically ramp up production. By adopting a 24/5 shift schedule and stabilising the supply of key components, the programme achieved its strongest performance on record in 2024, delivering 43 locomotives in a single year.

Momentum is now firmly in place, with the final 40 locomotives on track for delivery by June 2026—bringing the modern fleet programme closer to completion and positioning Transnet Engineering as a future continental powerhouse.

Phillips says the 200th locomotive is more than a technical accomplishment—it is proof of Transnet’s renewed resilience and its central role in rebuilding South Africa’s logistics backbone. “As Transnet Engineering positions itself to become a leading Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the continent, the 200th Traxx 23E locomotive stands as proof of its capability, resilience, and central role in moving South Africa forward,” she said.