The development strategy of PRASA, South Africa’s passenger transport operator, focuses on consolidating railway transport as the backbone of the transport system. In order to meet its objectives, the company decided to launch the Moloto Rail Corridor Project which is considered vital for an efficient multimodal transport system. Also, the project is an element of economic development in the region.
The project was announced since 2008 when the feasibility study was completed. In 2014, the Minister of Transport declared that the feasibility study was updated and that is should be implemented as soon as possible to reduce the number of accidents and provide efficient public transport services.
The project aims to increase the traffic speed from 70 km/h to 160 km/h and then, gradually, to 200 km/h which will significantly reduce travel time for commuters. The Moloto Corridor project includes the construction of a standard-gauge line between Gauteng and Mpumalanga (east of South Africa). At present, the route of the corridor runs along R572 in Siyabuswa, through KwaMhlanga, to Tshwane and provides the transport of 40,000 passengers/day. The new line is necessary as Moloto Roads, which crosses Pretoria, through three provinces, is one of the most dangerous streets in South Africa where over 70 people have lost their life over the past two years. “The construction of the rail development corridor is a direct response by government to excessive traffic congestion, numerous fatal road accidents and general economic underdevelopment in the area‚“ spokesperson of SA Presidency Bongani Ngqulunga said.
In this context, during the second Forum of China-Africa Investments, PRASA and China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) signed a memorandum of understanding for the joint exploitation of infrastructure development initiatives. The priority project is Moloto Corridor concerning the construction of 125 km of line. The project consists in the construction of a 117km-double line on Koedoespport Rapid Rail alignment, of 67 km of double line between Siyabuswa and Moloto, the establishment of Mamelodi East and Greenview Pienaarspport alignments. Also, the project includes the construction of 13 new rail stations, modal integration points and the development of Tshwane Bus Rapid Transit.
‘’We are pleased that some of the projects are getting off the ground in South Africa and key amongst these projects is the Moloto Road Development Corridor linking Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces. This project is designed to change the quality of the life of people in the area through among others promoting economic development and work opportunities and bringing to end long commuting distances from home to work for the poor,’’ President Jacob Zuma said.
The project was estimated at 30 billion rand (USD 2 billion), amount allocated by the Chinese Government. The project is part of China’s investment regarding the development of the continent’s transport infrastructure for which it is ready to allocate 800 billion rand (USD 57.6 billion).
Over the next period, PRASA, Public Enterprises Department and National Treasury will establish a working group to set the basis for the project which will be completed in three years since the beginning of works.
by Pamela Luica
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