The Gauteng government’s plans for the expansion of the Gautrain rail network are moving forward following the gazetting of new proposed routes. This gazette comes just a month after the government announced that it has paid off the existing Gautrain system, bringing to an end the nearly two-decade public-private partnership that funded its construction at a cost of about R26 billion.
According to the Department of Roads and Transport and the Gautrain Management Agency, the Gautrain system will continue to operate under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model as it advances into the next phase of its operational journey. As the current concession agreement approaches its conclusion, the process of appointing a new private partner to operate, maintain, refurbish, upgrade, and modernise the Gautrain system for the next 15 years is at an advanced stage of negotiation.
Gautrain Expansion Plans
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced during his state of the province address that the government now has its sights firmly set on expanding the rail network, aiming to connect more communities and improve access to public transport across the province. The Gauteng government will invest R120 billion in the expansion of Gautrain to the following new areas: Soweto via Fourways, Mamelodi, Atteridgeville, Lanseria, and Springs.
The expansion of the Gautrain is expected to create more than 125,000 construction jobs over a five-year period. The new routes that the expansion will cover include a largely underground line linking Little Falls, Roodepoort, and Jabulani in Soweto; a corridor from Cosmo City to Lanseria Airport; and a line connecting Cosmo City to Samrand through Fourways, Sunninghill, and Olivenhoutbosch.
Proposed Routes
The proposed route runs about 20km underground from near Little Falls, passing beneath Helderkruin, Horizon View, Roodepoort, and parts of Soweto. It includes underground platforms at Roodepoort and Jabulani, with station buildings planned above ground, and is designed to avoid dolomite and previously mined areas. For more information on the Gautrain system, visit the Gautrain Wikipedia page.
The route also runs for about 17.4km, mostly above ground with around 7km on elevated viaducts. It will pass through Cradle Station and continue towards Lanseria Airport, crossing major roads including the R114, N14, and R552. The route will also pass underneath the suburbs of Waterfall, Kyalami Hills, and Carlswald, passing under the R55 (Woodmead Drive), M39 (Allandale Road), and Walton Avenue/New Road to the proposed Olivenhoutbosch station.
Here are some key facts about the Gautrain expansion:
- The project will cost R120 billion
- It will create more than 125,000 construction jobs over a five-year period
- The expansion will cover new areas including Soweto, Mamelodi, Atteridgeville, Lanseria, and Springs
- The Gautrain system will continue to operate under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model
As the Gautrain expansion project moves forward, it is expected to have a significant impact on the province’s economy and transportation system. With the creation of thousands of jobs and the improvement of public transport, the project is set to benefit many communities across Gauteng. For more information on the Gauteng government’s plans, visit the Gauteng government website.
