Alstom Ubunye's Vision for the Future – PRASA Trains and Beyond

Railways Africa Magazine

In this episode of Coffee with the Editor, we have the pleasure of hosting Logan Naicker, CEO of Alstom Ubunye. This engaging conversation provides comprehensive insights into Alstom Ubunye’s operations within the African Rail industry, with a particular focus on their ongoing PRASA project. Logan delves into the progress of the PRASA project, where Alstom Ubunye is nearing the serial production phase, with almost six train sets being manufactured every month. He recalls how they hit the ground running in 2018, ramping up production at an impressive pace. Keeping in stride with their customer, Gibela, the company has managed to effectively match the demand for train sets. This venture is prospering significantly and is expected to reach peak production in the coming months. Operating at this capacity, Alstom Ubunye aims to maintain this production rate through the end of the contract in 2030. A central point of our discussion revolves around Alstom Ubunye’s recent expansion into the service and maintenance sector. Already established in maintaining the Gautrain and the Traxx Locomotive, the broadening horizons of the company indicate their adaptability and growth. Logan also outlines the company’s involvement in the production of the Traxx locomotive, highlighting the strategic roles of Alstom’s various joint ventures within the industry. This forms part of Alstom Ubunye’s unwavering dedication to manufacturing, with a vision for further expansion into locomotive production across South Africa and Africa. As we delve deeper into the specifics of Alstom Ubunye’s contributions to the PRASA car build project, Logan details the multitude of mechanical and electrical components they work on. These include essential parts like traction converters, cubicles, auxiliary converters, looms, harnessing, and bogie assemblies. Alongside their foundational role in manufacturing, Alstom Ubunye is also charting a course into the service, maintenance, and overhaul market. They have recently taken their first steps in this direction, with a dedicated facility already set up for this purpose. Towards the end of our discussion, we explore future plans, particularly the possibility of venturing into different technologies like diesel, hydrogen, or battery-powered trains. While Alstom Ubunye’s expertise is primarily in the electric space, they recognise the diverse requirements of the South African and African markets and are actively contemplating how to cater to these various needs. Join us for this in-depth conversation, providing an inside look into Alstom Ubunye’s operations, their significant role in the African Rail industry, and their exciting plans for the future.