SA’s first ‘bullet train’ on track
South Africa’s first bullet train, which will travel between Gauteng and Limpopo, has a launch date and it’s sooner than you think.
Initially announced in 2023, the “bullet train”, which will travel between Gauteng and Limpopo, is a step closer to completion.
Titled the Limpopo-Gauteng Speed Train Project, this train is expected to connect Pretoria to Polokwane. This is about 500km of high-speed railway.
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Over the past two years, the South African government has made measured headway in preparing for the eventual construction. As of this year, environmental impact assessments are ongoing, reports Top Auto.
The report stated that the assessments will guarantee that the train project adheres to safety, environmental and economic standards.
A concern that could arise is land acquisition as negotiations need to be undertaken with both landowners and communities along the route.
If all goes well with these negotiations, the bullet train is expected to be operational by 2030.
Travelling with the Limpopo-Gauteng Speed Train
Travel time on these routes are anticipated to intensely lessen with trips reducing from approximately 5-6 hours by car to just 90 minutes.
There is also a route expansion in the works, which will extend past Polokwane, with the following stops included in phase two of the project:
Hammanskraal
Bela-Bela
Mokopane
Louis Trichardt
Musina
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