Transnet Unveils 200th Traxx 23E Locomotive, Boosting Rail Modernisation

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Transnet Group Chief Executive Michelle Phillips hailed the achievement as a key moment in South Africa’s logistics revival.

 

South Africa’s rail modernisation drive has reached a major milestone with Transnet proudly unveiling its 200th state-of-the-art Traxx 23E locomotive, a moment that signifies renewed momentum in the country’s industrial recovery, freight rail stabilisation, and long-term economic transformation.

The locomotive, produced as part of a 240-unit procurement programme, reflects Transnet’s commitment to revamping its ageing rolling stock, enhancing freight capacity, and restoring efficiency across South Africa’s critical logistics corridors.

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A Milestone in Modernisation Amid National Economic Renewal

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Transnet Group Chief Executive Michelle Phillips hailed the achievement as a key moment in South Africa’s logistics revival.

“Modernising our fleet is essential to lowering the cost of doing business and enabling economic growth. Today’s milestone is evidence of our commitment to sustained investment in improving our rolling stock and strengthening freight rail performance,” Phillips said.

The 200th locomotive stands as a symbol of Transnet’s resilience following years of operational challenges, infrastructure strain, and project delays—developments that heavily impacted South Africa’s broader economic output.

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Engineering Strength, Recovery, and the Return of Local Manufacturing

The successful production of the 200th Traxx 23E reflects:

• World-class engineering capabilities within Transnet Engineering

• A strong recovery from previous disruptions in procurement and manufacturing

• Renewed stability in the supply chain

• Growing confidence in South Africa’s industrial manufacturing base

The milestone also reinforces Transnet’s ambition to become a leading Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) on the African continent, positioning South Africa as a central hub for advanced locomotive design, production, and maintenance.

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A Turning Point After the Alstom Settlement

The Traxx 23E programme experienced major setbacks under original contractor Bombardier. After Alstom acquired Bombardier, Transnet and Alstom reached a pivotal settlement in 2023, allowing the project to regain footing.

Following the agreement, Transnet Engineering:

• Implemented an aggressive ramp-up strategy

• Introduced a 24/5 shift pattern at key manufacturing facilities

• Stabilised supply chain gaps that previously hindered delivery timelines

• Improved workforce productivity and operational efficiency

These interventions enabled the project to achieve a record-breaking output of 43 locomotives in 2024, the best annual performance since inception.

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Final Delivery on Track for June 2026

With 200 locomotives now completed, Transnet is confident that the remaining 40 units will be delivered by June 2026, ensuring full completion of the 240-unit programme.

This fleet expansion is expected to significantly improve:

• Freight rail reliability

• Network capacity across major corridors such as coal, manganese, container, and automotive routes

• Turnaround times for exporters and domestic industries

• South Africa’s global competitiveness in mining, agriculture, and manufacturing

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Strategic Value of the Traxx 23E Locomotive

The Traxx 23E includes modern features that meet the demands of South Africa’s long-distance, heavy-haul freight environment:

• High-efficiency traction systems

• Improved energy consumption

• Enhanced safety and braking technology

• Increased reliability and reduced downtime

• Locally manufactured components supporting South African industry

Their deployment is central to Transnet’s multiyear plan to rehabilitate rail infrastructure and restore South Africa’s credibility as a global logistics player.

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Key to Lowering the Cost of Doing Business

South Africa’s logistics bottlenecks—including port inefficiencies, derailments, cable theft, and locomotive shortages—have contributed to rising costs for exporters, manufacturers, and miners.

The successful ramp-up of Traxx 23E production directly supports national economic recovery by:

• Improving freight movement

• Reducing delays and congestion

• Strengthening export capacity

• Supporting investment confidence

• Generating industrial jobs in engineering and related sectors

Government and industry stakeholders have repeatedly stated that efficient logistics are essential to reversing years of economic stagnation.

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Transnet Engineering: Rising as a Continental OEM

Michelle Phillips emphasised that the 200th locomotive is not merely a production milestone—it’s a statement of Transnet Engineering’s technological potential.

“As Transnet Engineering positions itself to become a leading OEM for the continent, the Traxx 23E locomotive proves our capacity, resilience, and commitment to moving South Africa forward,” she said.

With African countries increasingly seeking reliable rail solutions, South Africa is strategically placed to become a supplier of modern locomotive systems, maintenance facilities, and engineering expertise.

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A Symbol of Hope for South Africa’s Rail Future

The production of the 200th Traxx 23E locomotive comes at a time when South Africa is working to restore confidence in its logistics sector, attract new investments, and rebuild its industrial capabilities.

It is a clear signal that Transnet’s turnaround efforts are gaining momentum, backed by improved governance, enhanced manufacturing output, and renewed strategic direction.

As the remaining 40 locomotives move closer to completion, the Traxx 23E programme stands poised to play a transformative role in unlocking freight capacity, stimulating economic growth, and reshaping the future of South African rail transport.