Locomotive modernization in South Africa is set to be part of a deal by private operator Traxtion, which is investing R3.4bn ($199m) to acquire rolling stock from New Zealand’s KiwiRail, as reported by Reuters and industry outlet Railway Supply. The package includes 46 locomotives and 920 freight wagons.

Locomotive modernization in South Africa: Traxtion–KiwiRail deal
Photo: Railways Africa

KiwiRail will transfer Wabtec locomotives to Traxtion. The list includes 42 U26C diesel locomotives and four C30-8MMI units. Before entering service, the locomotives will be модернизированы in South Africa.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Rail Services Hub in Rosslyn: what will be changed on the locomotives

The work will be carried out by Rail Services Hub, a Traxtion subsidiary. Modernization is planned at the Rosslyn site in South Africa, where engines and control systems will be replaced.

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The expected result is a 15% reduction in fuel consumption; these details were also cited by Railways Africa. Each locomotive is expected to take four months to modernize.

Deliveries in four batches: April 2026 — August 2027

The locomotives are due to be delivered in four batches, with deliveries scheduled to begin in April 2026 and conclude in August 2027. Accordingly, modernization of the U26C locomotives in South Africa will run in parallel with the phased delivery.

Traxtion fleet and demand for rail freight

Traxtion operates in 10 African countries. The company has a fleet of 55 locomotives, services around 100 units of traction rolling stock, and maintains 450 freight wagons. Traxtion CEO James Holley said the refurbishment of the New Zealand locomotives would be the largest investment in private freight rail in South Africa’s history.

The KiwiRail purchase is linked to growing demand for rail transport in South Africa and neighbouring countries. This year, the country also raised concerns about the poor state of its rail sector and the need to attract private investment to address the problem. In late November, it was reported that India’s RITES Limited (part of Indian Railways) is modernizing 18 diesel locomotives withdrawn from service in India for onward shipment to South Africa.

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