Transnet Engineering Marks Milestone As 200th Locomotive Rolls Off Production Line

Durban, 19 November 2025 – South Africa’s state-owned freight and logistics company, Transnet SOC Ltd, has marked a major industrial milestone with the completion of its 200th Traxx 23E locomotive, reinforcing the company’s growing role in local rail manufacturing and national economic recovery.

The locomotive forms part of the 240-unit fleet renewal programme aimed at modernising Transnet’s freight locomotives and significantly improving operational capacity across the country’s rail network.

Transnet Group Chief Executive, Michelle Phillips, described the milestone as a symbolic and strategic achievement in the company’s ongoing revitalisation efforts.

“Modernising our fleet is a critical component of the national mandate to lower the cost of doing business and enable economic growth. Today’s celebration of this milestone is a manifestation of our commitment to modernise our fleet and enhance freight capacity through sustained and focused investment in rolling stock assets,” Phillips said.

The Traxx 23E project gained renewed momentum following a 2023 settlement agreement with project partner Alstom, which had acquired original contractor Bombardier. Transnet Engineering then implemented an accelerated production strategy, including a 24-hour, five-day-per-week work schedule and stabilisation of the materials supply chain.

This approach delivered the project’s best output to date, with 43 locomotives completed in 2024 alone. The remaining 40 locomotives are scheduled for delivery by June 2026, keeping the programme firmly on track.

As Transnet Engineering strengthens its position as an emerging Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the African continent, the 200th Traxx 23E locomotive stands as a testament to the enterprise’s resilience, technical capability, and expanded contribution to the country’s industrial development.

With this milestone, Transnet continues its journey of transforming the logistics sector, supporting economic competitiveness, and driving South Africa forward through world-class engineering and manufacturing excellence.