India’s vast experience in railway infrastructure and management could play a significant role in helping South Africa rebuild and modernise its struggling rail network, Indian High Commissioner Prabhat Kumar has said, underlining growing interest among Indian firms to expand their footprint in the African nation’s transport sector.
Speaking at a gathering of industry leaders at the CII India Business Forum in Johannesburg, Kumar highlighted that several Indian companies are actively exploring opportunities to collaborate with South Africa, particularly in supplying railway equipment and offering technical expertise. This comes at a time when South Africa is undertaking a major effort to restore its passenger and freight rail systems, which have deteriorated over the years due to vandalism, theft, and lack of maintenance.
Kumar pointed out that Indian firms have already begun examining concrete proposals. He noted that Texmaco Rail and Engineering is planning to supply railway wagons to South Africa and is currently engaged in discussions with local partners. Similarly, RITES, a prominent Indian railway consultancy, is in talks to provide railway engines, indicating a deepening level of engagement between the two countries in the infrastructure sector.
Emphasising the broader context, the envoy said that infrastructure development has emerged as a priority in the budgets of both India and South Africa. He highlighted India’s sustained focus on expanding its infrastructure, including railways, ports, and airports, noting that the country has been consistently commissioning new airports each year as part of its growth strategy.
Kumar also drew attention to India’s semi-high-speed train technology, particularly the Vande Bharat trains, suggesting that such solutions could be highly suitable for South Africa. Unlike conventional high-speed rail systems that require extensive new infrastructure, these trains can operate on existing tracks at speeds of up to 200 kmph, making them a more practical and cost-effective option. He indicated that this model could help South Africa upgrade its rail services without incurring the massive costs associated with building entirely new rail corridors.
While referring to India’s upcoming bullet train project, expected to begin operations in 2027, Kumar acknowledged that such projects are capital-intensive and may not be feasible for all regions. Instead, he advocated for semi-high-speed solutions as a more viable alternative, particularly for countries looking to modernise their railways using existing infrastructure.
Beyond railways, the envoy also highlighted potential areas of cooperation between the two nations, including energy and digital technology. He noted that India has made significant progress in ensuring round-the-clock electricity supply and that Indian companies are already involved in South Africa’s power sector, especially in renewable energy projects such as solar power. Additionally, he pointed to India’s advancements in digital payments, which have enabled seamless and instant transactions even for small purchases.
Kumar further revealed that India is currently negotiating a free trade agreement with the Southern African Customs Union, which includes South Africa along with Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and Eswatini. He expressed optimism that the agreement would be finalised soon, paving the way for stronger economic ties and enhanced cooperation across sectors.
The envoy’s remarks underscore the potential for a deeper strategic partnership between India and South Africa, particularly in infrastructure development, as both countries look to leverage each other’s strengths to drive economic growth and modernisation.
