Menar Ports & Rail (MPR) has stressed the importance of practical rail modernisation, efficient maintenance practices and skills development as key enablers of South Africa's rail recovery and long-term industrial growth

MPR Head Pragasen Pillay participated in panel discussions on Developing Modern Train Systems at the Africa Rail Conference held in Johannesburg.

Pillay said a reliable rail system is central in improving South Africa's competitiveness in global supply chains.

"Affordable and efficient logistics are critical to the sustainability of mines and manufacturers. As South Africa seeks to grow exports and reindustrialise, we need rail solutions that improve competitiveness and lower the cost of moving goods to market," he said.

As a newly established Train Operating Company (TOC), MPR's objective through partnering with Transnet and other industry participants is to complement South Africa's existing rail capacity and contribute to the development of a more efficient freight logistics system.

Pillay emphasised that MPR's role is not to compete with Transnet, but to support ongoing rail reform efforts and help increase the country's overall freight capacity and competitiveness.

"By improving capacity and efficiency across the rail system, we can better position the country to compete in global supply chains and support growth in mining, manufacturing and exports," said Pillay.

Addressing the future of rail operations, Pillay highlighted the benefits of modern train systems, noting that electric locomotives offer significant long-term cost advantages compared to diesel alternatives due to lower operating costs over their lifecycle.

He also called for a balanced and practical approach to rail modernisation.

"Africa's railway infrastructure was largely developed decades ago. While investment in new technology remains important, we must also focus on getting more value from the assets and infrastructure we already have. The challenge is not simply to build new capacity, but to utilise existing capacity more effectively while steadily improving and modernising the network," Pillay said.

He emphasised the need for the industry to move from reactive maintenance to predictive maintenance models supported by technology and data.

"Modern depots should be able to identify potential issues before failures occur. Remote diagnostics, data analytics and effective maintenance planning all contribute to reducing downtime and returning locomotives to service more quickly," he said.

However, Pillay stressed that technology alone would not deliver the desired outcomes.

"We should not focus only on technology. At the heart of every successful depot are the people who operate and maintain the assets. The rail sector must invest in developing the next generation of engineers, technicians, artisans and technical support staff if we want to create lasting value, sustainability and support long-term growth"

Modern depot design should ensure locomotives and wagons spend less time in workshops and more time on the rail network, supported by appropriately trained personnel, effective maintenance regimes and access to the right tools and equipment.

"Poor maintenance affects the entire value chain. Reduced locomotive availability increases logistics costs, impacts productivity and ultimately affects the competitiveness of industries such as mining and manufacturing. Maintenance facilities should enhance operational efficiency, not become a source of delays."

While advances in technology continue to shape the future of rail, Pillay argued that cost-effective upgrades of existing maintenance facilities should remain a priority.

"Many of the depots already in operation were built to last. In many cases, modernising existing facilities represents a more practical and cost-effective approach than building entirely new infrastructure."

Modern Depots should transition to reliability centres and not remain repair workshops

In closing, Pillay highlighted the importance of collaboration across the rail ecosystem, particularly between operators and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

"OEMs provide access to advanced technologies, while operators contribute operational expertise. Through collaboration and skills transfer, we can develop local capabilities that support sustainable rail operations and help position South Africa's logistics sector for long-term success."