Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) has issued a Siding Lease Request for Proposals (RFPs), covering three siding facilities in the Eastern and Central Regions. The release 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.
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 are non-negotiable.
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.”
A non-compulsory Virtual Tender Briefing will be held on Friday, 13 March 2026, and the bid submission deadline is 30 April 2026.
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