Mmamabula-Lephalale rail link project
The Mmamabula-Lephalale Rail Link Project, set between Botswana and South Africa, promises to catalyse economic development and facilitate regional trade through the efficient transport of bulk commodities. Jointly envisioned by Botswana Railways and Transnet, this project has been in the making for over a decade, with roots tracing back to 2011. However, with bilateral support from both governments, efforts have intensified.
A Decade in the Making
In 2011, Botswana Railways conducted a pre-feasibility study for its portion of the project. Simultaneously, Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) embarked on concept studies for South Africa’s segment. While South Africa saw some development, it’s now under a renewed thrust as a joint project, aimed at tapping into Botswana’s vast mineral resources. The goal is to establish a new railway corridor linking Botswana’s mines to South African ports. This requires not only leveraging existing railway infrastructure in both nations but also finalising the proposed rail link.
Currently, a detailed pre-feasibility study for the Mmamabula-Lephalale Rail Link is underway, set to be completed by September 2023. The outlined route spans approximately 113km – 68.9km in Botswana and 44.1km in South Africa. This development phase will feature greenfield undertakings in both countries, with a combined greenfield stretch of 86km and a brownfield of 27km.
Once operational, the rail link is projected to manage about 24 million tonnes annually. To ensure efficiency, infrastructural considerations include designing the substructure at 26t/a, while the superstructure is planned at 20t/a. Maximising its capacity, however, requires complementary upgrades. This encompasses Transnet’s enhancements in the Waterberg area and the expansion of the Multiple Purpose Terminal in Richards Bay, coupled with Botswana Railways’ overhaul from Morupule Coal Mine to Mmamabula, roughly a stretch of 140km.
The hallmark of this project is a seamless operation between the Botswana-South Africa border, embodying true bilateral collaboration. While infrastructural enhancements in both countries will be overseen separately by Botswana Railways and Transnet, the rail link’s development itself emerges as a singular project.
Both entities are actively engaging the private sector and other stakeholders for collaboration, with several assurances in place. These include committing to completing the pre-feasibility study, securing governmental support, agreeing to oversee necessary land acquisitions, and offering their expertise in logistics operations.
The anticipated project cost stands at approximately BWP3 billion or R4.11 billion, excluding feasibility-related expenses. In seeking potential partners, the focus is on project funding, executing a bankable feasibility study, infrastructural development, and addressing rolling stock needs, both in terms of wagons and locomotives.
In summary, the Mmamabula-Lephalale Rail Link Project emerges not just as a railway development but as an emblem of regional cooperation and a catalyst for trade and economic growth.
