RITES to support Botswana’s railway modernisation ambitions

BOTSWANA: A memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the development and modernisation of transport infrastructure with a strong focus on railways has been signed by the Ministry of Transport & Infrastructure and RITES.

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Botswana will draw on the Indian consultancy’s technical expertise in the rail sector to support its modernisation plans which include deploying advanced technologies, adopting global best practice with local priorities, strengthening local capabilities and enhancing efficiency, safety and reliability.

It is envisaged that this could see RITES supply rolling stock, modernise workshops and provide commissioning, repair, operation and maintenance support services. RITES will also provide capacity-building and technical training programmes, facilitate knowledge exchange, deliver quality assurance services including third-party inspections, pre-shipment inspections and final acceptance testing, and deploy advanced IT such as integrated train operations and passenger management systems.

The MoU signed in December also covers the road, bridge, airport and building sectors.

Chris Hughes has been appointed Chairperson of the Botswana Railways Board. The ministry said he assumes the role ‘at a time when expectations are high and the operating environment for the rolling stock is rapidly evolving locally, regionally and globally’. Okitanye Gaogane was appointed Caretaker General Manager from December 29, and Presidential Adviser on Projects Omphile Sehurutshe has also joined the railway’s board.