Draft route report for GRRIN extension live, public asked to submit comments

Members of the public can now review and submit written comments on the draft route determination report for the Cosmo City Junction and Soweto Extension of the proposed Gauteng Rapid Rail Integrated Network (GRRIN) extensions.

This follows the approval of the publishing of the draft report for public comment by the Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, as prescribed by section 6(3) of the Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act.

Read more: Gautrain: Mobility that Empowers Communities

The draft route report includes the preliminary route alignment report, which details the proposed routes and station locations for the Soweto Extension and Cosmo City Junction of the GRRIN extensions project, as well as an environmental investigation report.

The following is a broad description of the proposed route for the Soweto Extension and Cosmo City Junction:

• Cosmo City Station to Samrand Station, through Fourways Station, Sunninghill Station, and Olievenhoutbosch Station.
• Cosmo City Station to Lanseria Station, through Cradle Station and Smart City Station.
• Little Falls Station to Jabulani Station (Soweto), through Roodepoort Station.

Also read: Gautrain route extension is awaiting funding approval before next step

Diale-Tlabela highlighted that the GRRIN extensions project is a transformative megaproject that will serve as a key catalyst for economic growth and inclusion.

The project forms part of proposals from Gauteng’s 25-Year Integrated Transport Master Plan, in which the passenger rail network will form the backbone of the province’s modernised and integrated transport system.

“To tackle inequality, we need to undo apartheid spatial planning, which has scattered our communities and forced many people to live far from areas of work and opportunity,” said Diale-Tlabela.

She added that transport connectivity does not only lead to the integration of communities and create a culture of social inclusion, but also opens up opportunities for job seekers, businesses, suppliers and investors.

Route determination is the first step in the process of securing a rail reserve for a future railway line in Gauteng. It includes an exhaustive consultative process whereby all stakeholders, as well as interested and affected parties, are provided with an opportunity to make written submissions in regards to the proposed route. After careful consideration of all submissions received from the stakeholders, the MEC will determine the route for the railway line.

Diale-Tlabela urges all stakeholders, as well as interested and affected parties, to take this opportunity to make written submissions. “Your feedback matters and is critical to the process.”

The reports will be available for public review and comment, in writing, from February 26 until March 31, at gautengrapidrail.co.za.

Hard copies of the reports can be obtained from the Gautrain Management Agency’s office by prior arrangement, email extensions@gautengrapidrail.co.za to request collection.

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