Gautrain Set For Biggest Expansion Yet: Soweto, Fourways, Roodepoort And Mamelodi On The Map

Gauteng is gearing up for one of its most ambitious transport projects yet. Premier Panyaza Lesufi has confirmed that the Gautrain is set to stretch its tracks far beyond Sandton and Pretoria, with major extensions planned for Soweto, Fourways, Roodepoort and Mamelodi.

The announcement came during a media briefing in Johannesburg, following the provincial Executive Council Lekgotla. Lesufi positioned the project as more than just a transport upgrade it’s about stitching together Gauteng’s fast-growing cities and townships into one connected system.

A Train For All Of Gauteng

For years, critics have pointed out that the Gautrain sleek and efficient as it is has mainly catered to commuters in Sandton, Pretoria, and OR Tambo International Airport. Soweto and Mamelodi residents, in particular, have often asked why the province’s flagship rail project skipped their communities.

Lesufi’s plan directly addresses this gap. “We want every part of our province connected through the Gautrain,” he explained, adding that feasibility studies will also look at extending the service to Lanseria’s planned smart city and to Sedibeng in the Vaal.

Why This Matters

Joburg’s traffic is legendary, and for those who rely on minibus taxis or Metrobus, daily commutes can be long and unpredictable. A Gautrain route to Soweto or Mamelodi could cut down travel times dramatically and open up economic opportunities across Gauteng.

Transport analysts note that adding Fourways and Roodepoort into the network could also reduce congestion on some of Joburg’s busiest highways, including the N1 and N14.

Public Reaction

On social media, the announcement sparked excitement, especially from residents in Soweto and Mamelodi who have long felt left out of the Gautrain story. One X user commented, “Finally, the Gautrain for the people who actually need it most.”

Others, however, were quick to question timelines and costs. Previous Gautrain extensions have been delayed due to funding challenges, and many residents are watching closely to see if these promises will be backed by real construction work.

A Vision For The Future

If the expansion goes ahead as planned, Gautrain won’t just be a luxury rail line for business travelers and Sandton office workers. It will become a backbone of Gauteng’s transport system connecting townships, suburbs, airports, and even smart cities of the future.

For now, the province has reopened the bidding process to secure partners for the expansion. The big question is whether the vision of a truly province-wide Gautrain will finally leave the station.

Source:SABC News 

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