South African Rail Security Problems Persist Amid Operational Challenges

South African rail security problems continue to affect operations, despite efforts to address infrastructure vulnerabilities and theft. Persistent issues with vandalism and reliability raise safety and performance concerns. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Rising Challenges in South African Rail Security Problems

South African rail security problems remain a significant issue, with 278 derailments and 687 collisions reported last year. The Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) highlights security risks, including vandalism and theft, which undermine performance and safety. Criminals target overhead cables and rail components, reselling them as scrap.

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Despite slight improvements, freight services fell short of expectations, operating 25.91 million kilometers in 2023-24, reflecting broader structural weaknesses. Security-related incidents decreased from 8,643 to 7,420, yet operational failures jumped to 2,496 cases. These disruptions highlight the pressing need for security enhancements and infrastructure upgrades.

Impact of South African Rail Security Problems on Operations

Rising fatalities and injuries emphasize the human cost of South African rail security problems. The Fatalities and Weighted Injuries Index (FWI) documented 83.8 incidents in 2023-24, up from 18.8 incidents the previous year. Rail operations caused 85 deaths and 181 injuries, while security-related events resulted in 74 fatalities and 98 injuries.

KwaZulu-Natal accounted for 36% of all incidents, as key railway lines run through Durban and Richards Bay ports. Additionally, theft and vandalism affected 5,461 cases, with 21% involving deliberate damage to infrastructure, creating further disruptions in coal exports.

Operational Shortfalls at Richards Bay Coal Terminal

Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) struggled to meet coal transport targets at Richards Bay. In 2023, the port exported only 48.7 million tons, marking its lowest output in over ten years. With a 90 million-ton annual capacity, South Africa failed to capitalize on increased demand following European bans on Russian coal.

Exxaro Resources reported that TFR transported 42.1 million tons from January to October 2024. The annualized projection of 51.2 million tons remains short of the 60-million-ton target. Security challenges, locomotive shortages, and vandalism contributed to unreliable delivery schedules.

Efforts to Address Rail Security and Performance Issues

Exxaro Resources emphasized infrastructure failures and theft as key barriers to consistent rail performance. The company noted that weekly coal shipments averaged three trains from Grootegeluk and eight trains from Mpumalanga. Stakeholder initiatives helped increase performance from 47 million to 50.5 million tons annually, though gaps remain.

RSR recorded 278 derailments, with only two incidents significantly disrupting coal volumes. However, persistent problems require targeted reforms, including stronger enforcement and investments in infrastructure resilience. Improved collaboration between stakeholders and recovery teams is essential to reverse downward trends.

Path Forward for South African Rail Infrastructure

The Railway Safety Regulator urged reforms to strengthen rail security, address theft, and stabilize operations. Future strategies include enforcing regulations, modernizing infrastructure, and improving resilience against security and weather-related risks.

South Africa’s rail sector must overcome vandalism and theft to restore performance and reliability. Without decisive action, the country risks further economic losses, particularly in coal exports.

Stakeholders stress the importance of collective action, partnerships, and investments to secure rail infrastructure. Addressing operational vulnerabilities will determine South Africa’s ability to meet export targets and sustain growth.

Source: www.worldcargonews.com

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