Mbalula: Govt closer to high-speed train between Pretoria, Mpumalanga
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula says government is closer to turning on the ignition in its first high-speed train.
The High-Speed Rail (HSR) network was introduced at a parliamentary portfolio committee meeting in May 2020, threatening to end the rail monopoly by SOEs Prasa and Transnet.
On Monday, Mbalula released the National Rail Policy White Paper in Pretoria where he reaffirmed plans to improve the country’s rail network.
It’s understood the route is planned between Pretoria and parts of Mpumalanga.
“We have started this process and we are going to make big announcements.
“Plans are afoot in relation with this particular matter. As you know, we have to embark on research on it and then have partners the we will work with.”
Mbalula added SA officials would rely on China, Japan and France for best practise guidelines.
“High-speed rail belongs to us, we know how and when. We have briefed Cabinet about it.
Mbalula also believes the rail policy will help speed up the plans.
“This framework will aim to guide the collaboration between the major SOEs and private sector companies to deliver new economic infrastructure. The pursuit of PSP should not be construed as the privatisation of the South African Railways, as there is no such policy on the table,” said Mbalula.
FULL SPEECH: National Rail Policy White Paper.
— FIKILE MBALULA | MR FIX (@MbalulaFikile) May 9, 2022
The Policy seeks to address the challenges faced by & position the rail sector as the backbone of South Africa’s national land transport. pic.twitter.com/5JbenUUgnU
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