en.Wedoany.com Reported - South African private logistics company Grindrod plans to transport approximately 280,000 tons of coal annually from Mpumalanga Province to the Maputo terminal under the country's emerging open-access railway framework, potentially becoming one of the first private operators to run freight trains on Transnet's national rail network.

Company CEO Kwazi Mabaso stated during an operational performance webinar that the company's operational readiness for open access is "progressing very well." Grindrod has secured two weekly train slots on this corridor and is adopting a cautious approach to advancing services. Test trains are scheduled for the end of this year, with commercial operations targeted for the first half of 2027. Initial operations will require three locomotives (plus one spare) and 50 wagons.

Mabaso noted that if the service expands to three weekly train slots, annual coal transport volume could increase to over 400,000 tons. By maintaining the same locomotive configuration and increasing the wagon fleet to 100 units, the third weekly slot can be achieved. He expects that once the required conditions are met, obtaining additional slots will not involve a lengthy process.

Mabaso emphasized that the planned test trains will be a significant milestone before the targeted commercial operations begin in the first half of 2027. This announcement marks further progress in the implementation of South Africa's open-access railway reforms. Earlier this year, Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) confirmed that multiple private operators have signed access agreements, preparing for the phased introduction of third-party train operations on the national rail network.

Mabaso added that after the reopening of the Chikwalakwala line in May, railway operations on the regional corridor are expected to improve in the second half of this year. The closure of this line, combined with disruptions in Eswatini and adverse weather, had previously limited locomotive deployment.