Interfleet Technology has officially announced its involvement in the R136 billion mass replacement of South Africa’s rail network.
The Derby-based international rail consultancy will be working with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) to buy up to 7,200 new electric multiple units (EMUs) which, over a period of 20 years, will augment and eventually replace the country’s existing fleet of trains.
Interfleet’s role involves leading the programme management, coordinating other advisors to PRASA, compiling the technical specification, compiling the maintenance specification and to support the tendering process and contractor selection.
The South African government is using the programme as an opportunity to revitalise the country’s rail manufacturing industry by imposing a 65 per cent local content minimum for all qualifying bids.
The invitation to tender for the new vehicles was issued in April 2012 with bids from potential suppliers to be received in September 2012.
This project follows on from previous work undertaken by Interfleet during 2010-11 – as part of a KPMG-led consortium comprising Arcus Gibb, ENS and Interfleet – to undertake a comprehensive feasibility study to prepare the groundwork for the current procurement phase of the project.
