GAUTRAIN TO EXPAND WITH R120 BILLION BUDGET
“In less than two years, the Gautrain will be extended from 80 to 230km.”
Those are the words promised by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi during his latest State of the Provine Address.
The budget that’s been allocated for the extension is a massive R120 billion.
Lesufi said an infrastructure expansion is in the pipeline for Gauteng.
“To uphold the position of Gauteng as the economic hub, we will accelerate our infrastructure investment.”
During his speech, Lesufi said the expansion project is expected to begin in 2026 when the Gauteng Provincial Government will take over ownership of the express commuter rail system at the end of the current concession.
He said the expansion of the rapid rail system would include new areas covered like Soweto, Fourways, Mamelodi, Atteridgeville, Vaal, Lanseria and Springs.
“The expansion is expected to create 125,000 jobs over a five-year period (and) the bid to construct these lines closes at the end of October.”
The new stations include Randburg, Cosmo City, Fourways, Sunninghill, Hazeldean, Tshwane East, Boksburg, Lanseria Airport and Mamelodi.
Image credit: DBSA