The South African government has moved a step closer to realising long-standing plans for high-speed rail, as President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a new initiative to attract private sector participation in the country’s rail expansion.
Speaking at the National Transport Conference in Johannesburg on 16 March 2026, Ramaphosa confirmed that authorities have issued a Request for Information (RFI) to assess investor interest in rapid regional rail and high-speed train projects.
Rail modernisation central to economic strategy
Ramaphosa emphasised that transport infrastructure is a cornerstone of economic development, linking efficient mobility to growth, competitiveness and social inclusion.
He noted that improving transport systems goes beyond logistics, playing a critical role in reducing inequality and expanding access to opportunities such as employment, education and healthcare.
Passenger rail has been identified as a key pillar in this strategy. The government has already made progress in restoring commuter rail services through the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), which has reopened most priority corridors and introduced hundreds of locally built trains.
The president said the country aims to reach 116 million passenger journeys in the current financial year, with long-term targets of 600 million trips by 2029.
High-speed ambitions resurface
Alongside efforts to rebuild commuter networks, the government is now turning its attention to faster long-distance travel. Ramaphosa highlighted that high-speed rail systems are already widely used internationally and significantly reduce travel times between major cities.
He criticised current travel durations within South Africa, stating that journeys such as those between Durban and Johannesburg—often taking five to six hours—are no longer compatible with the needs of a modern economy.
The newly launched RFI marks an early stage in the development process, allowing government to gather technical input and evaluate market appetite before proceeding to a formal procurement phase.
If sufficient interest is demonstrated, authorities plan to issue a request for proposals, which could pave the way for large-scale investment and development.
Despite renewed momentum, high-speed rail has a history of stalled proposals in South Africa. The concept dates back over a decade and has been revisited multiple times in national policy discussions.
More recently, the National Rail Policy White Paper, approved by Cabinet in 2023, identified high-speed corridors as a strategic priority. Subsequent policy updates have focused on feasibility studies and long-term planning.
The latest announcement suggests that the government is now seeking to move beyond planning and into implementation, with private sector collaboration expected to play a crucial role.
If realised, high-speed rail could transform intercity travel in South Africa, offering faster, more efficient connections and supporting broader economic development goals.
Source: Businesstech
