PRASA invests R11 billion to modernize Durban rail services

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) is implementing an R11 billion programme to upgrade signalling and telecommunications systems across various rail corridors. This initiative is designed to improve the safety, reliability, and scheduling of train services.

In addition to the broader upgrades, R2 billion is being allocated to rehabilitate the Umlazi Corridor, which serves the highest volume of passengers in KwaZulu-Natal. Once these improvements are complete, train intervals are expected to decrease to between three and five minutes. This increased frequency is projected to raise annual passenger numbers from 1.8 million to 10 million.

To accommodate this anticipated growth, PRASA has procured 101 new trains. The agency is scheduled to unveil the first of seven completed signalling sections next month, starting with the corridor between Crossmoor and Havenside, followed by the Rossburgh to Pinetown Corridor. EThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba commended the investment, noting that rail remains a preferred transport mode for working-class communities.