South Africa’s first bullet train project advances rapidly, aiming to connect Pretoria and Polokwane in record time through a new high-speed rail corridor. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

South Africa Feasibility and Planning Progress

South Africa’s First Bullet Train Project Begins
Source, photo: www.sapeople.com

The feasibility and environmental assessments for this high-speed corridor, announced in 2023, now evaluate safety, sustainability, and financial feasibility. Officials in government and private sectors coordinate land acquisition, negotiating with local communities.

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South Africa Infrastructure Investment and Timeline

Construction may begin by late 2026 if land deals succeed, and targets include reducing travel time from six hours to 90 minutes. The average speed across the 500 km route will reach 175 km/h, with peaks above 200 km/h on several sections.

Gauteng will invest approximately $6.3 billion (R120 billion) over five years to enhance rail systems, expand commuter services, and support the bullet train. However, the estimated $34 billion (R530 billion) cost raises concerns about long-term financing and project viability.

Source, photo: www.sapeople.com

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