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Successful completion of phase one of the Western Cape Re-Signalling Project

We are proud to announce that the 1st Phase of the Western Cape Re-signalling Project (WCRP) was successfully completed on the 2nd April at 06:07 SA Time.

After 56 intensive hours of test & commissioning works, performed by 100 people on site, the team successfully commissioned the 653 signalling elements (314 Axle Counters, 262 Signals, 68 Point Machines, 8 Level Crossings and 1 interface) that will be controlled by a single operator and one supervisor.

This success is the results of teamwork between Thales South Africa Systems, Thales Portugal and Thales Germany and is reportedly the largest single commissioning exercise ever undertaken in South Africa.
 

Throwback  to 2013 !

Modernization of the railways in South Africa is a key component of the socio-economic development plan undertaken by the South Africa Government more than 5 years ago. To support its ambition, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) has decided invest to correct years of under-investment in passenger rail in South Africa.

In 2013, Prasa has decided to rely on Thales to support its decisive moment and supply a rail signalling solution to the highly populated area Western Cape Region of South Africa that will cover 250 km of the province’s passenger rail system. This program is still one of the largest rail infrastructure projects on the African continent.

The project includes:

  • The construction of a control centre, which will allow the monitoring and efficient management of all the train operations in the entire region.
  • The design, supply, installation, test and commissioning of the new electronic interlocking systems and the associated wayside equipment, to ensure the highest levels of safety in train control.
  • The design, supply, installation, test and commissioning of new Telecommunications and Security Systems.
  • Upgrade and construction of new technical buildings.
  • Improvement of the track in some significant and critical zones, towards better performance and more comfort to the passengers.