Gauteng’s Bold Plans To Boost Rail Efficiency
The Port of Gauteng is set to become a significant development in South Africa’s transport sector following the government’s decision to place Transnet’s rail infrastructure under independent management. The initiative aims to revitalise rail transport and reduce the number of trucks on the N3 highway by 30%.
Francois Nortjé, the port developer, envisions the facility as Africa’s most advanced inland trade gateway. With plans to launch in 2027, the port is projected to create around 50,000 permanent jobs and drive sustainable economic growth in Gauteng. Located on 1,400 hectares of land near the junction of major highways, the port intends to shift millions of containers from road to rail, alleviating congestion on the N3.
The facility will feature advanced infrastructure, including two lengthy rail alignments for efficient container handling and eco-friendly systems like solar power and rainwater harvesting. It is expected to attract R50 billion in investment, potentially benefiting Transnet, which has suffered significant losses on the Durban-Gauteng freight corridor.
Despite the impressive ambitions for the Port of Gauteng, the current state of rail transport has been challenging. Transnet has lost market share to trucking companies, with container traffic falling sharply over the years. The goal is to reverse this trend and make rail transport more appealing, as the National Development Plan forecasts a dramatic increase in container volumes in the coming years.
As the demand for transport grows, the N3 risks becoming overloaded without effective rail integration. The transition to rail will not only depend on infrastructure improvements but also on incentivising trucking companies to switch to rail for their logistics needs.
The upcoming changes to the N3’s management could also impact toll pricing and traffic flow. With the consortium managing the highway set to lose control in 2029, future toll adjustments may encourage increased use of rail. Furthermore, the integration of Performance-Based Standards (PBS) vehicles could enhance efficiency, allowing for larger loads while improving safety on the roads.
The proposed reforms aim to balance the use of rail and road transport, ensuring that both modes can coexist without undermining each other’s efficiency. The Port of Gauteng’s development could provide the necessary link to make rail competitive again, ultimately delivering the reliability that businesses demand for their logistics operations.