Bombela makes fresh, cheaper proposal to finish Gautrain for World Cup

The Bombela Concession Company, responsible for building the R25,4-billion Gautrain rapid-rail link, has proposed a new, less expensive plan to enable the commissioning of a modified phase-one rail service between the OR Tambo International Airport and Sandton, in time for the opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

“The modified scope for phase one represents an alternative and more affordable solution to the challenge,” said Bombela CEO Jerome Govender.

He did not want to divulge the new price tag involved under this proposal. However, he did note that the "modified scope will mostly be back-office related requirements and the originally envisaged passenger experience will be maintained. System and passenger safety and security will not be compromised and the requirements of the Railway Safety Regulator will still be met".

There would be no changes to the phase one route under the amended proposal.

Gauteng premier Nomvula Mokonyane had earlier this month announced that government funding constraints prevented the accelerated completion of the full phase one of the Gautrain project – at a cost of R1,3-billion – by May 27, 2010, in time for kick-off in June.

The rail project's phase one was never contractually scheduled to be completed until the end of June 2010, with the World Cup kick-off to take place on June 11.

The Gauteng government had stated repeatedly over the last year – as the phase one completion debate had intensified – that the rapid-rail link had never been a 2010 project, however, also expressing an explicit desire for the public transport project to be completed in time for the World Cup.