The 80 km Gautrain rail system, which links the cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria in Gauteng, South Africa, is expected to be expanded to 230 km.

Businesstech reports that Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi has committed the provincial government to spending ZAR120 billion on the expansion of the rapid rail system to areas such as Soweto, Fourways, Mamelodi, Atteridgeville, Vaal, Lanseria and Springs.

The project will create an estimated 125 000 jobs over five years and is expected to start in October 2024, the premier announced.

It has also been reported that the new extension is part of a long-term plan to link the Gautrain system to Limpopo, which has reached the feasibility study stage.

‘South Africa is a unitary state. Nothing prevents our provinces from reimagining provincial economic contours and possibilities for mutual benefit. In this regard, we will be moving beyond the boundaries of our province to connect with neighbouring provinces where there is a potential for such mutual benefit,’ Lesufi told the provincial legislature.

The Gautrain, which was launched in 2010 and cost R25 billion to build, links Pretoria, Centurion, Johannesburg, Kempton Park and OR Tambo International.

24 September 2024
Image: Flickr