Nigel, South Africa – On 19 November, Transnet and Alstom marked a major milestone with the rollout of the 200th Traxx 23E electric locomotive, part of a 240-unit fleet renewal programme aimed at modernising the freight rail network in South Africa.
The milestone reflects stronger production performance at Transnet Engineering, improved supply chain stability, and a successful ramp-up following the 2023 settlement with Alstom. In 2024, the programme delivered a record 43 locomotives, with the remaining 40 units scheduled for completion by June 2026.
Transnet Group Chief Executive Michelle Phillips said the programme is central to modernising the freight fleet and supporting economic growth. Over 60 percent of each Traxx 23E locomotive is manufactured locally, with core components such as car body shells, propulsion systems, and traction motors produced in South Africa. Final assembly takes place in Durban, while propulsion systems are produced at Alstom’s Nigel plant. The programme relies on more than 100 direct vendors and 120 supporting suppliers across the domestic supply chain.
The Traxx 23E is designed for high-demand freight corridors, featuring dual-voltage capability at AC 25 kV/50 Hz and DC 3 kV, 3.8 MW of traction power, a 22-ton axle load, and speeds up to 100 km/h. Advanced derailment protection and multiple-unit functionality allow the locomotives to haul long and heavy freight consists.
Fleet performance remains strong, with 98 percent availability and fault rates of 1.3 per million kilometres. The Traxx fleet has logged 58 million kilometres in service to date, demonstrating the effectiveness of local production, stable partnerships, and investment in rail capability.
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