Concluded negotiations and National Treasury approval bring the new Gautrain concession to the threshold of financial close, with the provincial government tying it to a programme of new investment in the system.
The next milestones are financial close and the start of operations on 28 September 2026. What the concession then delivers against the investment the Premier described will be the test.
- Negotiations for a new Gautrain concessionaire have been concluded, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi confirmed on 16 September 2026.
- National Treasury has granted all the necessary approvals for the project to reach financial close.
- Operations are set to begin on 28 September 2026.
- According to Lesufi, new investment will enable expanded operating hours and expanded taxi routes for feeder services.
- The Premier also cited infrastructure upgrades at various stations, additional new trainsets and the introduction of renewable energy.
Negotiations for a new Gautrain concessionaire have been concluded, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi confirmed at a media briefing on the provincial government's programme of action on 16 September 2026.
“National Treasury has granted all the necessary approvals for the project to reach financial close,” Lesufi said. Operations are set to begin on 28 September 2026.
The Premier linked the new concession to further investment in the system. “This is a very exciting phase for the province. New investments in the Gautrain will enable expanded operating hours, expanded taxi routes for feeder services, upgrades to infrastructure at various stations, additional new trainsets, and the introduction of renewable energy.”
Lesufi gave the Gautrain update as part of the infrastructure section of a wider briefing, which also covered crime, healthcare and financial governance in the province.
