ZRL Signs US$20 Million Deal to Rehabilitate Six Mainline Locomotives
Zambia Railways Limited has signed a US$20 million strategic agreement with Worldwide Rail and Mining Solutions to rehabilitate, rebuild and upgrade six GT 3600HP mainline locomotives, marking a major milestone in the company’s fleet revitalisation programme.
The vendor-financed agreement follows extensive procurement processes, due diligence and approvals from relevant authorities, and represents a strategic shift towards asset recovery and fleet modernisation. The project will involve a complete overhaul of the six high-horsepower locomotives to restore optimal performance, improve fuel efficiency, enhance reliability and extend their operational lifespan.
Rehabilitation works will be carried out at the Zambia Railways Main Workshop, addressing persistent locomotive availability challenges and reducing ZRL’s reliance on hired locomotives at a time of rising local and regional freight demand.
The programme will be implemented in phases throughout 2026. The first two locomotives are expected to be deployed between May and June 2026, followed by a further two in August, with the final two scheduled for deployment between November and December 2026. This phased approach is expected to progressively strengthen ZRL’s operational fleet.
The project is being implemented under a deferred payment, vendor-financed structure, allowing rehabilitation works to proceed without full upfront capital outlay by ZRL. Repayment of the US$20 million investment will be made over time using revenues generated from the rehabilitated locomotives.
Beyond fleet restoration, the partnership includes a structured skills transfer programme aimed at strengthening internal maintenance capacity within ZRL. Engineers and technicians from the railway company will participate directly in the rehabilitation works as part of a broader initiative to ensure long-term operational sustainability.
Speaking at the signing ceremony on 27 February 2026, ZRL Managing Director Cuthbert Malindi described the agreement as a major boost to the company’s locomotive fleet and a reaffirmation of ZRL’s commitment to efficient, reliable and competitive rail transport services.
“This partnership represents a major step in rebuilding Zambia Railways’ operational capacity. By rehabilitating our own locomotives, we are restoring critical national assets, improving reliability, increasing freight volumes and reducing reliance on hired locomotives,” Mr Malindi said.
He noted that once completed, the refurbished locomotives will significantly increase ZRL’s haulage capacity, supporting key economic sectors including mining, agriculture, energy, manufacturing and cross-border trade.
He added that 15 ZRL employees have been identified for attachment to the project to facilitate knowledge transfer, while the Kabwe workshop will undergo upgrades to support the rehabilitation works.
Meanwhile, Jason Visagie, Managing Director of Worldwide Rail and Mining Solutions, said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to restoring critical rail assets and strengthening Zambia’s role in regional logistics.
“The rehabilitation process will involve a comprehensive rebuild and upgrade of the locomotives to ensure they meet modern operational requirements. Our goal is to extend their service life while enhancing performance and efficiency,” he said.
Mr Visagie added that a key component of the project is the transfer of technical expertise to ZRL engineers and technicians, which will help build sustainable local capacity.
