South Africa’s long-awaited High-Speed Train from Jozi to Durban is back in the spotlight. With new government attention and private-sector interest, the ambitious project is making headlines again. If completed, it would link two of South Africa’s busiest economic hubs—Johannesburg and Durban—with a fast, modern railway.
Presidential Push for High-Speed Rail
President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that the Cabinet approved a national high-speed rail framework in November 2023. In his words:
“On 1 November 2023, Cabinet approved the high-speed rail framework for implementation, and for the Johannesburg to Durban corridor to be prioritised for a feasibility study.”
– President Ramaphosa.
This confirmation gives formal backing to the vision that was first mentioned in the president’s 2019 SONA address.
Read more about the long-awaited launch in our article: Rea Vaya Route Opens After 10-Year Delay – Buses to Resume Operations.
Private Sector Engagement Begins
In 2025, the Department of Transport issued a Request for Information (RFI) inviting ideas for the Johannesburg–Durban corridor. This step signals a move towards public-private partnerships (PPPs). The department seeks innovative proposals from investors, engineers, and rail operators.
“We are now testing the market. We want to know what technologies and financing options are out there.”
– Department of Transport official.
Why Jozi to Durban?
The 600–720 km stretch between Johannesburg and Durban is one of the busiest transport corridors in the country. Every year, millions of tonnes of freight and thousands of people move between these two cities.
According to the KwaZulu-Natal Premier, this route would:
- Improve access to the Port of Durban
- Support logistics efficiency
- Promote regional economic development
He added at the 2025 KZN Investment Conference that the province was already conducting feasibility and visibility studies on the route.
Travel Time: Slashing Hours to Minutes
At present, travel by road between Johannesburg and Durban takes about 6 to 12 hours, depending on traffic and vehicle type. The high-speed train would cut this to under 3 hours, with proposed speeds of up to 300 km/h.
“If we get this right, it could compete with domestic airlines.”
– Ngwako Makaepea, Deputy Director-General for Rail
Terrain and Engineering Challenges
Building a high-speed railway through the Drakensberg mountains poses a significant engineering challenge. The line would require extensive tunnelling, bridges, and possibly route adjustments.
Construction experts note that such a project would require multi-phase development, sophisticated planning, and billions in investment
Funding Remains a Key Question
While China and other international players have expressed interest, no final funding model has been approved. The government is exploring a PPP model to reduce fiscal pressure. The final cost will depend on the route, technology, and partners involved.
“The feasibility study has not yet been completed,”
– Barbara Creecy, Transport Minister
What Happens Next?
The next steps involve:
- Finalising feasibility studies
- Issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP)
- Securing international investment
- Launching pilot phases
If timelines hold, groundwork may begin in the late 2020s.
For a complete guide to stops and pricing, check out Gautrain Routes and Fares: Full Details.
Bold Vision, Careful Planning
The High-Speed Train from Jozi to Durban represents bold ambition. It could reshape domestic travel, support trade, and connect South Africa’s inland economic core to its busiest port. But realising this dream depends on political will, investor confidence, and engineering success.
For now, the train may not be moving, but it’s definitely back on track.
