Railway infrastructure cooperation: India offers expertise to support South Africa, says Prabhat Kumar

Indian High Commissioner Prabhat Kumar says India’s railway infrastructure and management experience could support South Africa’s priorities. He told the CII India Business Forum that Indian firms are pursuing rail opportunities, including Texmaco Rail and Engineering’s wagon plans and RITES discussions on supplying engines. He also cited Vande Bharat technology as a potential option.

Indian High Commissioner Prabhat Kumar said India’s railway experience could support South Africa’s rebuild of its rail system. Kumar told business leaders that Indian firms were showing stronger interest in working in South Africa. Kumar said some companies were already exploring supplies and partnerships. The remarks came as South Africa worked to restore damaged passenger and freight rail networks.

South Africa has launched a large effort to fix rail services hit by vandalism and theft. Kumar said the latest budgets in both India and South Africa placed infrastructure high on the agenda. Kumar said India has spent heavily on railways, ports and airports. "Every year, we are inaugurating several new airports,\" Kumar said.

India-South Africa railway cooperation and equipment supply

Kumar said Indian companies were checking options to supply railway equipment to South Africa. Kumar said Texmaco Rail and Engineering was planning to bring railway wagons from India to South Africa. Kumar added that the firm was in talks with local companies. Kumar also said RITES was in discussions about supplying railway engines to South Africa.

Vande Bharat technology and semi-high-speed trains for South Africa

Kumar spoke about India’s semi-high-speed train, Vande Bharat, and its use on existing lines. Kumar said the technology can run on current tracks at speeds up to 200 km per hour. Kumar said this approach could suit South Africa because it avoids new track building. \"I have been suggesting South Africa that it adopts the technology, which will not need a new infrastructure,\" Kumar said.

Kumar said India’s first bullet train was expected to start operations in 2027. Kumar also said full bullet train projects are costly and cannot fit every city. Kumar argued that semi-high-speed services offered a more practical route. \"Semi-high-speed trains are the way forward and South Africa must look into that. We have the technology, and using the existing infrastructure, trains will be much easier and much quicker,\" Kumar said.

Infrastructure budgets, energy cooperation, and digital payments

Kumar also pointed to wider cooperation beyond railways, including power and technology. Kumar said India has achieved round-the-clock electricity supply for its population. Kumar said Indian firms were active in South Africa’s power sector, including solar projects. Kumar also highlighted India’s digital payments progress and quick transactions for small purchases.

Kumar said India was negotiating a Free Trade Agreement with the Southern African Customs Union SACU. SACU includes South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Eswatini. Kumar said the agreement was being discussed and expressed hope it would be completed soon. Kumar linked trade talks with stronger cooperation in infrastructure and related industries.

With inputs from PTI