Gautrain - History - Construction

Construction

The rail system was built by Bombela Consortium, a partnership between Bombardier Transportation, Bouygues Travaux Publics, Murray & Roberts, the Strategic Partners Group and RATP Développement, the J&J Group, and Absa Bank. It is 50% owned by its international partners and 50% by Murray & Roberts and the Strategic Partners Group, the consortium's black economic empowerment component. Initial works for the Gautrain started in May 2006 and construction commenced after the signing of the Concession Agreement between the Gauteng Provincial Government and the Bombela Concession Company on 28 September 2006.

The project was constructed simultaneously in two phases. The first phase involved the section between OR Tambo International Airport, Sandton and Midrand, the second the remainder. The construction of the first phase was scheduled to take 45 months, the second was for 54 months, with completion in 2010 and 2011.

The agreement provided for a R150 million incentive for the Gautrain to open in time for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. However, Gautrain was not built for the World Cup – it was conceived prior to that.

However, in November 2009, the Bombela Concessionaire proposed a new, less expensive plan for the route between OR Tambo International Airport and Sandton to be in time for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Viaduct in Spartan — September 2008 Viaduct at OR Tambo International Airport - April 2009

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