Manuel proposes ‘model’ Durban-Gauteng corridor

The National Planning Commission under Trevor Manuel is proposing to create a “model” Gauteng- Durban freight corridor by 2030. Recommendations in the National Development Plan include improving the flexibility of rail by “improving the performance of terminals on either end.” Success factors identified in the plan include “unrestricted access into the terminals for freight, removing bottlenecks on the road and rail routes, and expanding terminal capacity”. Planning priorities include creating new access routes into the port of Durban, allowing for the segregation of freight from other traffic, and building “at least” three new inland terminals around Gauteng for improved road-rail transfers. Additional container capacity will be created by digging out the old La Mercy airport.