NEW SPEED TRAIN TO CONNECT GAUTENG AND LIMPOPO
Plans to build a brand-new high-speed rail train between Gauteng and Limpopo have been fast-tracked. President Cyril Ramaphosa recently announced that the development of the country’s National Rail Masterplan is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
The master plan details the high-speed train set to connect the two provinces. According to Ramaphosa, the Masterplan aims to revamp passenger rail across South Africa.
The implemental protocol document was approved at a recent meeting between Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba.
A formal agreement between the two provinces has also been completed.
Lesufi said the train forms part of the growth and possible eventual economic merger between the two provinces.
“We are of the view that the economies of the two provinces are beginning to merge, and we must find ways of harnessing this growth.”
Many South Africans use rail networks as their transport method of choice, and as of March 2024, more than 40 million citizens were using trains.
The project is set to be built in two phases but the cost of the project in its entirety hasn’t been disclosed yet.
Image credit: Joburg ETC