Menar Ports & Rail moves ahead with strategic Transnet partnership
Published by Alfie Lloyd-Perks,
Assistant Editor
Dry Bulk,
Menar Ports & Rail (MPR) intends to invest in the critical resources needed to ensure it utilises its rail allocation through the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) initiative to add value to South Africa’s economy.
On 13 May 2026, Transnet Group CEO Michelle Phillips announced MPR was one of the first 11 private Train Operating Companies (TOCs) to conclude a Rail Access Agreement with TRIM, granting the company an allocation of 8.6 million t. This initiative forms part of Transnet’s Reinvent for Growth (R4G) strategy, a comprehensive plan to achieve major reforms across South Africa’s rail network.
Head of MPR Pragasen Pillay welcomed the announcement, saying it is a landmark initiative that will hopefully yield positive results for the country’s export sector and the economy as a whole. “Menar Ports & Rail will invest in the refurbishment of the allocated rail infrastructure and in the procurement of the required logistics equipment to make a success of Transnet's R4G initiative,” Pillay said.
Processes to procure wagons and locomotives for MPR are underway. The company aims to transport coal, anthracite, manganese and ferromanganese through the allocated rail volumes. Pillay said this is also an opportunity for MPR to support job creation and economic development while contributing to South Africa’s reindustrialisation.
Transnet is embarking on processes to onboard participating TOCs and assist them with operational readiness. In her remarks during the announcement ceremony, Phillips commended the successful conclusion of Rail Access Agreements with all 11 appointed TOCs, saying that Transnet will continue working closely with operators to enable successful implementation.
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