Following recent official indications that Gautrain’s airport connection would not be open in time for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, it has been confirmed now that the line will be ready after all. Moreover, this will be achieved without government having to spend more money. It was said previously that another R1.3 billion would have to be found if the programme of work was to be accelerated. Engineering News reported: “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.”

On 17 November, Bombela CEO Jerome Govender was quoted saying: “The modified scope for phase one represents an alternative and more affordable solution to the challenge. 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”.

Govender noted that the newly-modified scope of phase one recognised “the exceptional performance of the Bombela infrastructure, systems and operations subcontractors in mitigating the significant delays to date, occasioned through land acquisition and delivery and numerous project
variation instructions. The cost and time consequences associated with land acquisition and delivery are currently being processed through the dispute resolution provisions of the contract.” Earlier in November, indications were given that – because of the disputes – the original end-June completion date for phase one could not be met and that the line could not be ready before October 2010.

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4. GLASGOW AIRPORT LINE SCRAPPED
5. DELHI AIRPORT LINE
6. MINISTER’S ADDRESS: GAUTRAIN
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