Public invited to review Draft Route Determination Report
This follows the approval of the publishing of the draft report for public comments by the Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics.
The public can now review and submit written comments on the Draft Route Determination Report (DRDR) for the Soweto Extension and Cosmo City Junction regarding the proposed Gauteng Rapid Rail Integrated Network (GRRIN) extensions.
This follows approving the publishing of the draft report for public comments by the Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, as prescribed by Section 6 (3) of the Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act.
As highlighted by Premier Panyaza Lesufi during the recent State of the Province Address, this rail extension project is a transformative initiative to foster economic growth and inclusion.
The DRDR 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, and the Environmental Investigation Report.
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The reports are available for public review and comment in writing until March 31 at www.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.
The following is a broad description of the proposed route for the Soweto Extension and Cosmo City Junction (reflected on the map accompanying this media release):
• Little Falls Station to Jabulani Station (Soweto) through Roodepoort Station;
• 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;
Due to the magnitude and complexity of the GRRIN project, it was split into five phases. The route determination for phase 1 of the proposed extensions, from the existing Gautrain Marlboro Station to Little Falls Station, started in October 2018 and resulted in the determination of the route by the then Gauteng MEC for Public Transport and Roads Infrastructure, Jacob Mamabolo, on May 25, 2022.
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Diale-Tlabela said the GRRIN project was a transformative megaproject that would be a catalyst for economic growth and inclusion.
“The GRRIN extensions project forms part of proposals from Gauteng’s 25-Year Integrated Transport Master Plan, that a passenger rail network should form the backbone of the province’s modernised and integrated transport system.
“A comprehensive Feasibility Study for Possible Rapid Rail Extensions, completed in 2016, concluded that extensions to the Gauteng rapid rail network will alleviate traffic congestion, improve connectivity and the quality of public transport, stimulate the emergence of hubs of economic activity, and facilitate sustainable growth and liveable cities,” said the MEC.
Diale-Tlabela added that to tackle inequality, we must undo apartheid spatial planning, which has scattered communities and forced many to live far from areas of work and opportunity.
Transport connectivity integrates communities, creates a culture of social inclusion and opens up opportunities for job seekers, businesses, suppliers and investors.
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Route determination is the first step to securing a rail reserve for a future railway line in Gauteng.
It includes an exhaustive consultative process whereby all stakeholders and interested and affected parties can make written submissions about the proposed route.
After considering all the submissions received from the stakeholders, the MEC might, thereafter, determine the railway line route.
After finalising the route determination, the next step will be the preliminary design of the future railway line for information on the impact on properties located along the proposed alignment of the railway line. Then, a full environmental impact assessment and ore consultation with all parties.
“I urge all stakeholders and interested and affected parties to take this opportunity to make written submissions. Your feedback matters and is critical to the process,” said Diale-Tlabela.
