ENHANCING RAILWAY CAPACITY & QUALITY OF SERVICES THROUGH NEW OPERATING MODELS & PARTNERSHIPS FOR SEAMLESS REGIONAL INTEGRATION & TRADE

PRASA will be actively participating in the SARA conference for 2024

Hishaam Emeran, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) Group CEO and newly elected President of the Southern African Railways Association (SARA), shared his vision and goals for the future of rail integration in the region. He expressed his humility and enthusiasm for the opportunity to lead the SARA Board, highlighting the importance of collaboration between freight and passenger rail networks across various institutions and entities.

PRASA will be actively participating in the SARA conference in August. Emeran emphasised the organisation’s capabilities through the Gibela Rail Consortium, which is responsible for manufacturing brand-new trains. PRASA is also focused on the general overhaul and upgrading of its existing train fleet, with opportunities for new and refurbished trains both locally and regionally. He mentioned the AU’s resolution that designates South Africa as the rail manufacturing hub for the continent, with PRASA and Transnet playing key roles in this initiative.

Emeran detailed PRASA’s upcoming plans on the aspect of rolling stock and highlighted various infrastructure programs currently underway. These include signalling projects, per-way projects, electric and Overhead Track Equipment (OHTE) projects, as well as station upgrade programs. He stated that PRASA will share its achievements and future plans at the conference.

A significant part of PRASA’s strategy involves generating revenue from its assets to supplement its primary mandate. Emeran discussed progress in commercial developments and public-private sector participation, citing the Cape Town Station project as a flagship example. This development includes the construction of 3,000 new beds for NSFAS students and 7,000 square meters of retail space. Similar projects are planned across the country, particularly around major stations and other properties owned by PRASA.

In addition to station upgrades, PRASA is exploring opportunities in advertising and maximizing revenue through its secondary mandate. Emeran and his team look forward to engaging with industry stakeholders, exploring collaboration opportunities, and driving the future success of the rail sector in the region.

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