Name and Location
Johannesburg–Durban high-speed rail link project, South Africa.

Client
Department of Transport (DoT).

Project Description
A prefeasibility study (PFS), conducted by Japan International Consultants for Transportation, has found that a high-speed rail link between Johannesburg and Durban could potentially remove between 1.9-million tons and 3.6-million tons of freight volumes from South Africa’s roads.

A passenger high-speed rail system between the two cities, with a 600- to 900-person capacity on an 8- to 12-car configuration, could potentially carry 15 000 to 17 000 travellers a day by 2025 and between 33 000 and 38 000 a day by 2050.

The high-speed rail development could reduce travelling time for passengers to three hours, travelling at 300 km/h, from morning to late evening, while freight transport time could be reduced to five hours, at 160 km/h during the night.

The PFS further reveals that the project has the potential to reduce carbon emissions to between 900 000 t/y and 1.8-million tons a year and nitrogen emissions by between 3 000 t/y and 7 000 t/y by 2050.

The Tambo Springs inland port has been highlighted as the most cost-effective and environment-friendly location for a Johannesburg-based freight station, while Germiston station has proved to be the most viable passenger station.

Phase 1 will include a 100 km ‘airport’ access link between King Shaka International Airport and Pietermaritzburg.

Phase 2 will result in the development completing the 500 km link between Pietermaritzburg and Johannesburg.

Value
The PFS values the proposed project at R160-billion.

Duration
The PFS envisages the link partially opening in 2020.

Latest Developments
Japan International Consultants for Transportation technology headquarters senior manager Yoshimasa Sakon has indicated that that several approvals are still required to move the project forward, including the DoT’s authorisation to embark on a feasibility study.

The DoT is examining the study and will present it to Cabinet once it has determined the benefits of the project for South Africa.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Japan International Consultants for Transportation (PFS).

On Budget and on Time?
Too early to state.

Contact Details for Project Information
DoT acting director of media relations Sam Monareng, tel +27 12 3093970 or email MonarenS@dot.gov.za.
DoT information centre, Caroline Khoza, tel +27 12 309 3657 or email KhozaC@dot.gov.za.
Japan International Consultants for Transportation, tel +81 3 3842 9166 or fax +81 3 3842 9176.