South Africa and Swaziland sign rail MoU

The MoU paves the way for Transnet Freight Rail and Swaziland Railways to jointly conduct feasibility studies, research and other preliminary work that needs to be carried out in order to determine the viability of constructing a rail link between existing rail lines of the two countries.

The move follows the announcement in January this year of the co-operative development to establish a rail line (Swazilink) between the two countries. The two rail companies are set to jointly develop a 146 kilometre line from Lothair in Mpumalanga, South Africa and Sidvokodvo Junction in Swaziland, as well as upgrading the adjacent networks in both countries.

When complete, the new line will create additional capacity for 15m tonnes, predominantly general freight. The first train is expected to run by 2015.