Government has advanced feasibility studies for a proposed high-speed rail link between Durban and Johannesburg, with officials saying the project could cut travel time by nearly three hours. Picture Credit: Travel News
By Aisha Zardad
KwaZulu-Natal – Plans to develop a high-speed rail connection between Durban and Johannesburg have entered the feasibility stage, signalling concrete progress on the long-awaited infrastructure initiative.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli said the provincial government is set to engage the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) to obtain clarity on the feasibility study and map out the way forward for the project.
Ntuli said earlier talks with national departments showed that feasibility studies were ongoing, but the province is now requesting detailed updates on the project’s current status.
“We require certainty on the current position of the feasibility study,” Ntuli said. “Our engagement with PRASA is aimed at establishing precisely where the project stands.”
If implemented, the proposed corridor is expected to reduce travel time between Durban and Johannesburg by nearly three hours, significantly improving connectivity between the two major economic hubs.
President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed government’s commitment to high-speed rail during his recent State of the Nation Address. He said preparatory work is continuing on strategic routes, including eThekwini to Johannesburg and Johannesburg to Musina.
President Ramaphosa revealed that approximately 30 companies responded to a Request for Information issued last year, indicating interest in developing high-speed rail corridors. Government is preparing to move to the next stage by issuing a formal Request for Proposals.
He said the initiative forms part of efforts to modernise South Africa’s long-distance rail network and enhance the country’s competitiveness in a changing global economy.
Durban Mayor Cyril Xaba welcomed the progress, saying the initiative is moving forward as planned and has the potential to greatly enhance travel efficiency between Durban and Johannesburg.
Xaba commended Transport Minister Barbara Creecy for issuing a Request for Information covering regional high-speed train routes linking Durban, Johannesburg, Polokwane, Musina, Pretoria and Mbombela.
He said he continues to engage with Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and Transnet on the high-speed rail project, alongside wider efforts to strengthen port operations and rail infrastructure.
Xaba said the project has the potential to deliver a major economic boost for Durban, especially within the tourism industry. Improved rail speeds would allow for more regular travel between Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
City officials say shorter travel times could encourage weekend getaways and same-day business travel, drawing thousands of additional visitors to Durban once the service is up and running.
