Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Business Hub
THE National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) is implementing a series of immediate and short-term operational measures aimed at stabilising and increasing freight volumes by leveraging existing assets and forging strategic partnerships.
This comes as large-scale rehabilitation under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2) is being financed and rolled out.
The parastatal said the interventions are part of a deliberate programme to boost efficiency, reduce pressure on the national road network and restore rail as the backbone of bulk cargo movement.
“NRZ is implementing several immediate, short-term measures focused on leveraging existing assets and forming strategic partnerships to stabilise and increase freight volumes, thereby reducing the strain on the road network, while the major NDS 2 rehabilitation projects are being financed and rolled out.
“These actions are outlined in the NRZ Strategic Plan (2026–2030) as key strategies for the current period leading up to the full impact of NDS 2,” NRZ Public Relations and Stakeholder manager, Mr Andrew Kunambura said.
The organisation said a key priority during this transition period is expanding rolling stock capacity to address the current shortage of functional locomotives and wagons.
“NRZ is actively pursuing partnerships to supplement its own fleet.”
The rail operator is strengthening strategic alliances with private sector players, enabling companies with their own rolling stock to partner with NRZ for the movement of their cargo or that of third parties.
“NRZ offers a joint operation arrangement, allowing private companies with rolling stock and motive power (locomotives) to partner with NRZ to move their own or third-party customer goods,” said Mr Kunambura.
To further lift capacity, NRZ is leasing locomotives and wagons from regional partners.
“NRZ is leasing rolling stock from South Africa (Sheltam/Traxtion) for dedicated movements of goods such as clinker, coal, ferrochrome to augment the existing fleet moving other commodities.”
The parastatal is also accelerating internal refurbishment works.
“NRZ prioritises the refurbishment of its existing locomotives and wagons and as well as servicing of mainline and shunt locomotives, to quickly boost fleet availability using internal resources and existing workshops using funds from its major customers in return for a dedicated usage,” said Mr Kunambura.
Parallel to rolling stock enhancement, NRZ is intensifying repairs on key sections of the network.
“The organisation is accelerating infrastructure rehabilitation by prioritising caution removal, re-sleepering and re-railing.
“Reducing the extent of temporary speed restrictions on the network immediately increases train speed and reduces transit times.”
Officials say minimising delays caused by infrastructure bottlenecks is critical to regaining market share from road transport.
NRZ is complementing operational improvements with commercial initiatives designed to woo customers who have shifted to road haulage.
Added Mr Kunambura, “To quickly capture cargo currently on the roads, NRZ is improving service delivery: Strategic Trucking Partnerships: NRZ is establishing strategic partnerships with trucking companies to expedite ‘last-mile’ delivery services.
“This provides a seamless, door-to-door logistics solution that competes with road hauliers.”
The rail operator is also stepping up its commercial outreach.
“The NRZ is intensifying marketing campaigns to source new business and attract non-traditional cargo.”
The parastatal said it will continue pursuing Public-Private Partnerships and leasing arrangements as part of a broader turnaround agenda.
“Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and Leasing: NRZ is actively pursuing partnerships to supplement its own fleet.
“NRZ offers a joint operation arrangement, allowing private companies with rolling stock and motive power (locomotives) to partner with NRZ to move their own or third-party customer goods.”
The organisation reiterated its commitment to restoring reliable, competitive rail services.
With these measures underway, NRZ expects to gradually increase freight volumes and reduce reliance on the country’s roads, in line with national economic recovery and logistics efficiency goals.
