Draft Replacement Regulations Issued Under Railway Safety Act, 2024

Posted 31 July 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Transport

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: In terms of the Railway Safety Act, No. 19 of 2024, the Department of Transport has gazetted four sets of draft regulations for public comment, which will replace legacy regulations upon finalisation.

The Railway Safety Act, No. 19 of 2024, which has been partially in force since August 2025, provides an updated statutory framework governing safety standards, operator permits, and regulatory oversight across South Africa’s rail network. The four proposed replacement regulations will repeal existing regulations promulgated under the National Railway Safety Regulator Act, No. 16 of 2002.

Stakeholders, rail operators, and industry parties have until 30 August 2026 to submit written comments on the proposed draft regulations.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: Legal and compliance professionals specializing in transport and infrastructure law should analyze the draft regulations to guide clients on upcoming statutory shifts.
  • For your business: Railway operators, network owners, and logistics firms must review current safety management systems against the draft requirements and submit representations before 30 August 2026.
  • For your clients: Logistics and passenger transport clients should anticipate updated safety permit requirements, revised operating standards, and potential structural adjustments to operator compliance frameworks.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/railway-safety-act-input-sought-on-draft-replacement-regulations

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