Gautrain’s rail extension plans
MIDRAND - Gautrain Management Agency has big plans to make the city more connected, however, the proposed plan is still to be approved.
Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Dr Ismail Vadi unveiled the routes, which are part of the province’s proposed 25-year Integrated Transport Master Plan, but approval from provincial and local authorities is pending.
Gautrain Management Agency CEO Jack van der Merwe said, “The intention is to have the Integrated Transport Master Plan approved by the province and all local authorities before the end of 2013. Key to the plan is to prioritise public transport, with the rail system being the backbone of the transport network.”
Van der Merwe added, “The routes will require the construction of a 140km railway line. If approved, construction will begin in the next four to five years. The seven proposed routes are expected to encourage the use of public transport, which will undoubtedly ease traffic congestion that is currently an issue on South African roads. A feasibility study will be done in early 2014 which will inform the specifics of the routes. The exact locations of the stations will be determined during the design stages.”
In order of priority, the first future rail extensions will possibly be from Sandton to Honeydew via Randburg; Ruimsig to Samrand via Cosmo City; Fourways, Sunninghill and Blue Hills; Samrand to Tshwane East via Irene; Rhodesfield to Boksburg via East Rand Mall; Westgate to Park Station; Naledi (Soweto) to Ruimsig via Roodepoort; and Tshwane East to Mamelodi.
A proposed rail link from Johannesburg to Durban may be built, in partnership with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa.
