Milestones

What we have achieved:

  • 2012:

    Gibela becomes the preferred bidder in PRASA's rolling-stock renewal project.

     
  • October 2013:

    Contract signed with PRASA for the supply of 600 commuter trains

     
  • April 2014:

    Contract becomes effective

     
  • May 2014:

    First design review meeting.

     
  • July 2014:

    Official launch of Gibela

     
  • November 2014:

    South African engineer recruits sent to France for training

     
  • 2015:

    Focus on training, skills and development

     
  • March 2015:

    Gibela hosts a Supplier Day to engage with potential suppliers

     
  • July 2015:

    First train manufactured and tested at Alstom’s Lapa factory in Brazil – built with 20% South African content

    Environmental Impact Assessment approved

     
  • December 2015:

    Water use License approved and site handed over

     
  • End 2015:
     
  • 2016:

    Start of revenue service

     
  • February 2016:

    Construction of manufacturing facility begins
    First test train begins nine-month long testing and commissioning process
    Second test train arrives in South Africa

     
  • March 2016:

    Sod-turning celebration at factory site
    Third test train arrives in South Africa – fully equipped and set to be the first train to roll on to the rail network

     
  • June 2016:

    Six trains undergoing testing in South Africa

     
  • October 2016:

    Third train prepared and delivered to PRASA

     
  • December 2016:

    Gibela awarded Provisional Acceptance Certificate from PRASA for the first X’Trapolis MEGA train

     
  • Quarter 2 2017:

    Start of production of first locally-produced train

     
  • Quarter 3 2018:

    Gibela’s first Proudly South African trains in service

     
  • 2028:

    Manufacturing completion

     
  • 2035:

    Maintenance contract and project completion