By: Natasha Archary
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula says bullet trains are planned for the country’s long-distance routes.
The National Rail Policy White Paper has been gazetted by the minister, which details plans to rehabilitate SA’s struggling railway network.
With plans to have railway systems forming the foundation of the country’s public transport, Mbalula said there are plans to introduce bullet trains.
Speaking to media, Mbalulua detailed that the Chinese funded project will begin with a Durban to Johannesburg route.
Plans will then move on to include other routes in the country.
“Feasibility studies on proposed high-speed services will be conducted by the department guided by the framework.”
The project was first announced in August 2021 with talks of a high-speed rail development between Pretoria, Durban and Johannesburg.
These bullet trains will not just carry passengers but freight as well, which will take the load off the logistics of goods.
Chinese Ambassador to SA, Chen Xiaodong said the project is a start to fixing the dire state of the railway network.
To date, China’s investment in SA has created 400 000 jobs, with a commitment to creating 20 000 more local jobs over the next 3-years.
Bullet trains are something that President Cyril Ramaphosa envisioned for the country to introduce smart cities.
The concept seems like a pipeline dream with loadshedding plaguing the country on a daily basis.
Also read: Herman Mashaba is in Germany, why?



