New study examines Gauteng-Maputo rail link

A long-awaited rail line from Gauteng to Maputo via Swaziland is a step closer to reality with Transnet Freight Rail and Swaziland Railway set to undertake a technical study early next year. The survey will set the costs and parameters of the “missing links” needed to make the route complete. “I’ve been working toward this since I came to Swaziland Railway in 1982. We’ve done a feasibility study. The technical study is a joint effort between us and TFR,” Swaziland Railway’s CEO Gideon Mahlalela told FTW. The route will save 200 km for rail shippers sending cargo via Swaziland to Maputo from Gauteng and vice versa compared to the current need to travel via Komatipoort. But TFR and Swaziland Railway both need to add infrastructure, Swaziland’s Minister of Public Works and Transport Ntuthuko Dlamini told the Swazi Parliament last week.