High-Speed Rail Link Between Durban and Joburg Takes First Steps Towards Reality

• A feasibility study for a high-speed rail link between Durban and Johannesburg is officially underway
• Government leaders say the proposed line could slash travel time by nearly three hours and strengthen connections between KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng
• If approved, the project could boost tourism, business travel and broader economic growth in both provinces

SOUTH AFRICA- A trip between Durban and Johannesburg that takes hours instead of most of your day? That idea is edging closer to reality.

Plans for a high-speed rail link between KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng have officially moved into the feasibility phase, signalling real progress on a project that could reshape how South Africans travel between the two provinces.

Reports from IOL indicate that the KZN provincial government will soon sit down with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) to get clear answers on how far the study has progressed. While national departments have indicated that assessments are in progress, the province wants detailed feedback and a clearer timeline on what happens next.

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Travel time could be cut by nearly three hours

If the plan becomes reality, getting from Durban to Joburg could take nearly three hours less than it does now. That’s a big deal for anyone tired of long road trips, expensive flights or slow rail journeys. The line would connect two of South Africa’s biggest economic centres, making business trips and weekend getaways far easier.

President Cyril Ramaphosa recently confirmed that the government is still committed to high-speed rail. Speaking during his State of the Nation Address, he said early work is continuing on major routes, including eThekwini to Johannesburg and Johannesburg to Musina. About 30 companies have already shown interest in the project, and the government is preparing to move to the next stage by calling for formal proposals.

City leaders applaud plans

Durban Mayor Cyril Xaba has welcomed the progress, saying faster rail could significantly boost travel between Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. He has been in ongoing discussions with Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, PRASA and Transnet about the broader rail and port upgrades linked to the initiative.

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City leaders believe a high-speed connection could give Durban’s economy a lift, especiallyin rism. Faster travel could make weekend getaways more appealing and allow for same-day business trips between the two provinces.

Video of upgraded train stuns South Africans

A video tour of one of Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s newly upgraded trains impressed many South Africans online, showing off a fresh, clean interior and visible security onboard. The clip sparked hope that public transport could be improving after years of unreliable service and vandalism, with sleek seats and a modern feel getting praise. While reactions were mixed, most viewers were excited to see signs of investment in the commuter rail system and better travel experiences ahead.

Prasa restores original passenger trains

Prasa has restored 31 out of its original 40 passenger train routes across South Africa as it rebuilds services after years of disruptions caused by vandalism and cable theft. Most of the restored lines are now running again in provinces like Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, bringing trains back into use for many commuters. Work continues on the remaining nine routes, with the agency aiming to bring them back into service soon.

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Mbalula announces plans for a high-speed train

Previously, Briefly News reported that Fikile Mbalula announced in 2022 that South Africa could one day get high-speed trains as part of a broader plan to modernise the country’s rail system, including improving services run by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa. He highlighted that the government aims to address long-standing issues with slow and unreliable trains, exploring options that could include faster and more efficient rail travel.

Source: Briefly News