Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has reaffirmed the province’s ambitious plan to expand the Gautrain rail network. The project will see R120 billion invested over the next two years, transforming the current 80km of rail into a 230km network. This expansion aims to include Soweto, Mamelodi, Fourways, Atteridgeville, the Vaal, Lanseria, and Springs in the rail service.
In his State of the Province address in August, Lesufi highlighted the significance of the expansion. “To uphold the position of Gauteng as the economic hub, we will accelerate our infrastructure investment,” he said. He also confirmed that the bidding process for the project will close in October, with over 125,000 jobs expected to be created during the next five years.
A More Extensive Network
Lesufi’s announcement highlights an increase in the expansion’s scope compared to previous plans. According to Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) CEO Tshepo Kgobe, the network will be far more extensive than initially planned. “We are now planning for a much wider network,” Kgobe stated, reflecting the increasing ambitions of the project.
Initial planning includes adding 150km of rail to the current 80km, with the first phase finalised for a new line from Marlboro Station to Little Falls Station. The expansion also ties into the proposed high-speed rail link between Johannesburg and Polokwane, adding significant long-term benefits for the province.
Strategic Growth and Infrastructure
The GMA has been developing routes since May 2022, securing crucial land rights for areas like Fourways, Randburg, Little Falls, and Cosmo City. Former GMA CEO William Dachs had also confirmed plans to expand towards Roodepoort and Soweto as part of a second phase. When completed, the Gautrain network will nearly triple in size, reaching a total of 230km and connecting key economic and residential areas across Gauteng.
The next steps in this monumental project are expected to take shape by 2026, when the Gauteng Provincial Government will assume ownership of the Gautrain system, which is currently valued at R45 billion. Gauteng’s transport department head, Thulani Mdadane, said that by the time the current concession expires in 2026, the province will take over this vital asset.
Economic and Employment Impact
Since its launch, the Gautrain has contributed significantly to South Africa’s economy, creating over 61,000 indirect jobs and 10,000 direct jobs. The rail system has also contributed more than R61 billion to the country’s GDP. The expansion is expected to further boost employment and economic development in the region.
Lesufi’s plan for Gauteng’s rail system is not just about providing more public transport but also about enhancing economic opportunity. The Premier emphasised that the province is committed to making the system more affordable for lower-income groups, reflecting a desire to ensure that the rail system is both sustainable and equitable.
By 2026, the expanded Gautrain could become a cornerstone of economic growth and mobility for millions of South Africans, changing the way people travel and boosting Gauteng’s status as the nation’s economic powerhouse.
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