The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to appoint a service provider to undertake a pre-feasibility study and develop a concept masterplan for the proposed Coega Automotive Park in the Eastern Cape.
The project, being advanced in partnership with the Coega Development Corporation (CDC), is positioned as a fully integrated automotive industrial precinct within the Coega Special Economic Zone. It is intended to support the full automotive value chain, from component manufacturing and vehicle assembly through to logistics, warehousing, and distribution.
Rail forms a key component of the proposed development, with several elements included in the scope of work. These include estimating potential vehicle throughput per annum and identifying priority rail-to-road and road-to-rail corridors to support efficient freight movement.
The study is also required to assess the existing railway mainline and analyse options for developing rail loops and sidings to connect the site to the network, including the establishment of a dedicated rail yard.
In addition, the scope calls for a detailed review of the rail regulatory environment, including permitting requirements for private sidings and loop connections to Transnet’s mainline, along with guidance on the associated applications, licences, and compliance processes. This extends to identifying broader regulatory requirements for rail operations, environmental authorisations, and transport safety compliance.
From a technical and financial perspective, the work includes preparing detailed capital cost estimates, with an accuracy of ±30%, for the multi-modal automotive terminal, including rail yard infrastructure and storage facilities. The concept design must also incorporate rail siding and loop connections, with a rail yard layout capable of accommodating automotive trains of up to 50 wagons.
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