By Sipho Tshabalala
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, MEC Diale-Tlabela and PRASA management joined Transport Minister Barbara Creecy in conducting an inspection of the Germiston to Katlehong train route in the City of Ekurhuleni as part of the 2024 October Transport Month programme.
The inspection of the rail network in Ekurhuleni took place on Tuesday, 08 October 2024.
This forms part of PRASA's corridor recovery plan that is gaining steam in the province. In 2021, the rail agency devised an Accelerated Corridor approach in recovering services focusing on the top ten high volume passenger rail corridors for initial resumption of services. This essentially means that corridors will be brought back into service in phases.
Reflecting on the work being undertaken, Minister Creecy said the plans are part of the agency's wider strategy to improve passenger rail services across South Africa and make rail a safe, reliable, and affordable mode of transport. She added the vision is to have "rail as the backbone for passengers and freight".
PRASA is spending R400 million on rehabilitation and recovery on this rail line. Works undertaken include the restoration of an electrical substation, refurbishing over seven stations, providing shelter and ablution services, amongst others. Providing security also forms part of the drive.
This follows the severe impact of infrastructure damage and cable theft on this line in the previous years. Group Chief Executive Officer Hishaam Emeran indicated the rail agency is making steady and significant progress in getting passenger trains back on track. He added the rehabilitation of rail lines and opening of strategic corridors remains a priority.
Commending the work of PRASA, Mr Gregory Schneemann - Portfolio Committee of Transport and Roads chairperson, said this "is a welcome development as we see, steadily, lines being reopened and reintroduced to providing affordable, safe and efficient transport to commuters".
PRASA has spent over R12 billion in capital projects, contributing to the creation of some 4 500 job opportunities.
Meanwhile, with production of 600 trains at the Gibela factory in Nigel in Ekurhuleni, the rail agency is also spearheading efforts to establish South Africa as the train manufacturing hub for the entire continent.