BIDDING lease requests for proposals (RFP) issued by Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) last week include the Ngagane Siding near Newcastle. The other two sidings, for which TRIM is seeking proposals, are in Krugersdorp and Klaserie near Hoedspruit.
TRIM is the infrastructure arm of the state-owned rail company Transnet Freight Rail, which split away from the operating arm, paving the way for third-party access to state infrastructure.
According to Transnet, the release of the three sidings reinforces TRIM’s commitment to enabling private sector participation, accelerating network access, and driving sustainable revenue streams that support safer, more efficient rail logistics across South Africa.
The RFPs align with the National Rail Policy (2022) and the Freight Logistics Roadmap (2023), and are intended to enable long-term access for third-party operators, cargo owners, and logistics service providers.
Transnet says proposals must include rail-line refurbishments, loading facilities, drainage, lighting, security, fencing, access roads, and other upgrades. Through market-value-based rentals, with safeguards to preserve value, bidders are also expected to illustrate how they will facilitate improvements in turnaround times and road-to-rail efficiency. To ensure continuity and sustainability, the leases will be for a minimum tenure of 10 years, with performance and investment commitments.
TRIM chief executive, Moshe Motlohi said: “The issuing of this request for proposals underscores TRIM’s ongoing commitment to transparent, market-based access to critical rail assets. By inviting private sector participation under a long-term, regulated framework, we aim to strengthen partnerships, improve service delivery, and unlock value across our rail estate.”
Bidders will engage through a transparent, market-based process to access TRIM’s rail sidings under a regulated framework. This multi-stage process includes prequalification, functional evaluation, and final price/preference assessment. Safety, health, and regulatory compliance is a non-negotiable requirement.
The bid submission deadline is 30 April 2026.
