Mbabane – The Minister of Public Works and Transport, together with the Principal Secretary and the Eswatini Railway team, received a high level delegation from SMH Rail on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, as the international railway infrastructure and maintenance company presented plans for a new service and maintenance base in Eswatini.
The proposed facility is expected to support railway infrastructure and locomotive maintenance while creating opportunities for skills development and strengthening the country’s railway capabilities.
SMH Rail presented a business model that would combine existing industry operations with locomotive services, with the potential to create benefits for businesses operating within the sector as well as emaSwati.
The company also proposed a structured skills development programme that would expose local personnel to international railway industry practices.
According to the proposal, the initiative could position Eswatini as a regional centre for railway expertise by developing technical skills and introducing international standards in railway maintenance and operations.
Another key component of the proposal is the use of modern design methods for train maintenance and assembly operations.
SMH Rail said the approach could reduce operational costs while maintaining high service standards, providing potential efficiencies for Eswatini’s railway sector.
As part of the visit, the SMH Rail delegation is scheduled to tour several Eswatini Railway facilities across the country.
The tour will allow the delegation to assess the country’s existing railway infrastructure and operational systems as it considers the proposed investment and its potential implementation in Eswatini.
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