Engineering Clean Air

How one piece of equipment could enhance rail efficiency and sustainability

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has issued RFQ No. 10363957 inviting qualified suppliers to supply, install and commission an automatic filter wash and dry machine at its Braamfontein facility.
The closing date was 21 October 2025 at 12:00 PM, with bidders required to attend a briefing session on 10 October.

Why This Matters

The machine targets air-handling unit (AHU) filters used in PRASA’s rolling-stock and depot buildings. Regular cleaning and drying of these filters improves indoor air quality, protects equipment, and enhances reliability of rail operations.

Installing automatic wash-and-dry machinery reduces manual labour, minimizes downtime for maintenance, and supports the agency’s drive toward more modern, efficient infrastructure.

The project reinforces PRASA’s commitment to maintenance excellence, which in turn improves passenger experience and asset lifespan — both critical in heavy-use transport systems.

Scope & Technical Requirements

The tender documentation outlines the following key points:

Supply, install and commission the equipment at 30 Wolmaraans Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

Equipment must meet detailed technical specifications: 3-phase power (380 V), stainless steel construction, capability to wash filters in batches and dry them (air or heated air)

The project timeline is roughly three months from award to hand-over.

Supplier qualifications: ≥5 years’ experience in electrical/industrial equipment supply & installation; project manager with NQF Level 6 with Red Seal qualification; detailed project plan required.

Broader Impact

Operational resilience: With better-maintained HVAC and filtration systems, depots and trains can operate more reliably in challenging urban environments.

Cost savings: Long-term maintenance costs drop as wearable assets last longer and preventive interventions replace reactive fixes.

Sustainability: Clean indoor air improves health and safety for workers; efficient equipment reduces waste and energy use, aligning with green goals.

Industrial opportunity: Suppliers capable of delivering such systems may tap into rail and transport-infrastructure markets — a growing segment in South Africa.

On Track for Tomorrow

As PRASA executes this upgrade, it marks a micro-step in a larger shift: from patch-repair modes to strategic investment in infrastructure systems. Ensuring seamless supply of parts, timely installations, and efficient commissioning will be key to turning this tender into operational value.