Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) has issued a Request for Proposals for the leasing, investment, development, operation and maintenance of 20 rail sidings across South Africa under 10-year agreements.
The procurement forms part of TRIM’s programme to commercialise rail siding assets through private-sector participation, covering land, rail infrastructure and associated buildings.
Successful bidders will be expected to invest in the sidings and undertake the refurbishment, upgrading, maintenance and operational improvements required during the lease period.
The 20 sites are spread across TRIM’s Central, Eastern and Western regions.
In the Central Region, the opportunity covers Krugersdorp.
The Eastern Region accounts for 13 of the sidings: Pyramid South, Ngagane, Hlobane, Panbult, Rietkuil, Carolina, Klaserie, Mica, Pienaarsrivier, Bela Bela and three separate Marikana sidings identified as Marikana A, B and C.
Six sites are being offered in the Western Region: Bellville Autosort, Lutzville Station, Putsonderwater, Worcester, Upington and Orchard.
Proposals for the 20 sidings close on 30 November 2026.
TRIM said the initiative supports South Africa’s rail reform agenda and its mandate to enable open access to the national rail network. The programme is intended to improve utilisation of existing rail assets, strengthen service delivery and support the long-term sustainability of railway infrastructure.
TRIM Chief Executive Officer Moshe Motlohi said the programme was intended to provide transparent, market-driven access to strategic railway assets while drawing private-sector investment into their future use.
“This programme reflects TRIM's commitment to transparent, market-driven access to strategic rail assets. By partnering with the private sector, we aim to improve service delivery, strengthen industry collaboration and unlock sustainable economic value across South Africa's rail network,” Motlohi said.
Interested parties can obtain the RFP documentation through the National Treasury eTender Portal or Transnet’s eSupplier Portal.
