Department of Transport Announces Plans for 300km/h Train
The Department of Transport has announced plans for a high-speed railway line linking Johannesburg and Durban, capable of reaching speeds of 300 km/h.
According to Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy, the plans include:
- 120 km/h regional trains running on existing infrastructure, connecting key cities such as Pretoria, Johannesburg, Polokwane, Musina, Mbombela and Durban
- New lines capable of running trains at speeds of between 160 km/h and 200 km/h
It is too early to predict a timeline for development
Minister Creecy reflected on her experience with the Gautrain, noting that it took three years from the RFI process to financial closure and another seven years to complete construction. She emphasized the importance of starting groundwork now, stating that progress is impossible without initial action.
Author's summary: Transport department plans 300km/h train.