The Western Cape Government has released initial findings from its Overberg Rail Business Case, outlining a long-term blueprint to transform the region’s rail network into an integrated freight corridor connecting agricultural producers with major inland markets such as Gauteng.
if(IsMobileDevice){ document.write(‘
‘); document.write(‘
‘);
}
Presented after a high-level stakeholder session in Bredasdorp, the early results point to a coordinated logistics system designed to move bulk commodities more efficiently, reduce pressure on highways and strengthen export competitiveness.
Provincial mobility planners indicate the proposal forms part of a broader strategy to reposition rail as a central pillar of economic growth.
According to the Western Cape Mobility Department, transport planners envision a seamless intermodal route linking Transnet rail infrastructure, the Belcon Inland Terminal and the Port of Cape Town.
The system is expected to handle goods such as barley, wheat, canola, fertiliser and animal feed, while also allowing return-load capacity from inland regions.
‘); googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘dfp-300×250-2’); }); document.write(‘
‘);
}
Forecasts presented to industry stakeholders suggest the corridor could move roughly 105 000 tons of freight annually between the Western Cape and inland markets, alongside about 2 000 refrigerated containers each year.
Officials say shifting these volumes from trucks to trains could streamline supply chains while lowering logistics costs.
‘); googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘dfp-300×250-3’); }); document.write(‘
‘);
}
Provincial Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku described the project as a turning point for freight logistics.
‘This Business Case positions the Overberg rail corridor as a key enabler to triple Western Cape exports by 2035. By unlocking dormant rail capacity, strengthening intermodal links, and attracting private investment, we are building a freight system that drives economic growth, supports producers, and reduces road congestion,’ he noted.
Local government leaders have echoed that sentiment, as Overberg District Municipality Executive Mayor Ald Sakkie Franken said the findings mark ‘an important step toward unlocking the full economic potential of our region,’ adding that improved rail capacity could strengthen supply chains and boost producers’ competitiveness domestically and abroad.
Mobility officials emphasise that the initiative aligns with national rail reform measures intended to open underused branch lines to third-party operators.
Provincial authorities see this as a rare window to attract investment and modernise infrastructure while restoring rail as a backbone of freight movement.
Stakeholders at the session stressed that long-term success depends on cooperation among government, industry and operators to secure sustained freight commitments, a factor viewed as critical for investor confidence.
The next phase centres on refining implementation plans, identifying infrastructure priorities and deepening industry partnerships.
Transport planners say the Overberg pilot will serve as a testing ground for broader rail revitalisation across the province, with lessons shaping future corridors.
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Also read:
Picture: Western Cape Mobility Department/Supplied
