A new era for freight infrastructure in the Western Cape

According to the findings, the corridor has the potential to move about 105 000 tons of freight annually between the Western Cape and Gauteng. The Western Cape Government has released the first findings of its Overberg Rail Business Case, setting out plans to transform the region’s rail infrastructure into a modern freight corridor linking the Overberg with major inland markets, including Gauteng. The findings were presented during a high-level stakeholder feedback session held in Bredasdorp on Friday.

The business case proposes the development of an integrated intermodal freight system connecting Transnet-operated rail infrastructure, the Belcon Inland Terminal and the Port of Cape Town. The aim is to streamline the movement of agricultural and bulk commodities to both domestic and export markets. In July last year, Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku announced the launch of the Overberg Rail Business Case to freight stakeholders, saying the province’s rail heritage had long been underutilised.

The latest report positions rail revitalisation as a key component of the province’s broader economic and transport strategy. It also projects the movement of around 2 000 refrigerated containers per year through the corridor. Commodities expected to benefit include barley, wheat, canola, animal feed and fertiliser.

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The model also provides for backloading opportunities from inland markets, which stakeholders said would improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Minister Sileku and Mayor Franken with officials from the Department and Municipality at the stakeholder feedback session. The provincial government said shifting freight from road to rail could enhance supply chain reliability, lower logistics costs and ease pressure on provincial road infrastructure.

“This Business Case positions the Overberg rail corridor as a key enabler to triple Western Cape exports by 2035. Executive mayor of the Overberg District Municipality, Sakkie Franken said the municipality supported the initiative.

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