Gautrain’s planned expansion to include Mamelodi and Soweto could be in place in the next five years.

Jack van der Merwe, CEO of the Gautrain Management Agency, said the 45-degree line that will add 140km to the rails, connecting Mamelodi and Soweto, could be done in the next five years if all goes well and financing can be secured.

A detailed feasibility study will be undertaken in the next few weeks to look at the planned expansion’s affordability, risk transfer and value for money. The budget for the project is estimated at R20 million.

The Gautrain network expansion is part of a 25-year Integrated Transport Master Plan (ITMP25). Other envisioned expansions include lines from Rhodesfield to the East Rand.

Integrated Transport Master Plan

The ITMP25 aims to prioritise public transport, making the rail system the backbone of the transport network.

The plan proposes a link to the high speed rail from Johannesburg and Durban as well as several Gautrain expansions. Proposed Gautrain extensions include:

• a link from the existing Park Station to Westgate in the Johannesburg CDB
• a link from the existing Rhodesfield Station to Boksburg
• a link from the existing Sandton Station to Randburg.