Prasa powers ahead with solar energy and modern rail milestone in Durban

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRrasa) marked a major step in its modernisation and sustainability drive on Tuesday with the launch of its Solar Renewable Energy Project and the unveiling of Train Set 300 — known as Isitimela Sabantu (The People’s Train) in Durban.

Presiding over the launch, Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy said the twin milestones symbolised a new direction for passenger rail in South Africa — one that places sustainability, reliability, and community development at its core.

“As we transition towards a modern transport system, sustainability must be at the heart of everything we do. The Solar Renewable Energy Project launched today is one of PRASA’s most forward-looking initiatives, spearheaded by its subsidiary Intersite to transform how we power our operations,” she said.

Creecy said solar power systems are being rolled out at key Prasa stations and facilities across the country to reduce dependence on the national grid, improve operational reliability during power cuts, and shrink the agency’s carbon footprint.

“These systems will reduce the agency’s dependence on the national grid, improve operational reliability during power disruptions, and significantly lower the carbon footprint of rail operations.”

“By investing in renewable energy, we are creating cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective transport services, while supporting South Africa’s commitment to reduce emissions under our national energy transition plan.”

She added that for commuters in eThekwini and beyond, the project means more reliable train services and stations that remain functional even during load shedding, with millions of rand in energy savings redirected toward improved service delivery and community development.

The Minister also celebrated the rollout of Train Set 300, marking the halfway point toward PRASA’s goal of producing 600 locally manufactured X’trapolis Mega trains under its Rail Modernisation Programme.

“Built locally by Gibela in Ekurhuleni, these modern, blue-and-grey X’trapolis Mega trains are redefining the experience of passenger rail travel in South Africa," she said.

"Reaching Train Set 300 marks the halfway point to our goal of producing 600 locally-manufactured trains, a major achievement in the Rail Modernisation Programme led by PRASA and the Department of Transport.”

Prasa's Group CEO, Hishaam Emeran, said the agency’s efforts were paying off, with passenger numbers doubling in the past year to 77 million.

“In the last three years, we have seen an investment in infrastructure and rolling stock in excess of R50 billion. And that has been a significant, significant injection into the economy. You see in the creation of jobs, both direct and indirect, in excess of 50 000 jobs within the rail sector,” Emeran said.

He added that Prasa’s manufacturing operations in Gauteng are driving economic localisation and skills development, with many train components now produced domestically.

eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba welcomed the minister’s visit and the opening of the Isipingo Shopping Centre, calling it a sign that “Durban is open for business.”

“We must state that the growth we are witnessing in the retail sector is due to our efforts to create a conducive environment for investors. As a city, working with all relevant stakeholders, we want to make it easy for businesses to invest in eThekwini Municipality.”

Xaba also praised the Transport Department’s Request for Information (RFI) on regional speed trains linking Durban with major cities including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Polokwane, Musina, and Mbombela.

“It would be remiss of me not to commend the minister for the issuing of the Request for Information (RFI) for regional speed trains linking the cities of Durban, Johannesburg, Polokwane, Musina, Pretoria, and Mbombela.”

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