Examining the role of railway transportation in the strategic development of rural and township areas in Mpumalanga

Abstract

The South African population residing in rural townships is comprised mostly of the marginalised class. The need for low-cost transportation that provides access to economic opportunities is urgent. The growing population requires more transport alternatives that will be controlled by the government and private stakeholders. The lack of transport options in rural areas has created numerous mobility inefficiencies. Therefore, the government has committed to sustainable development, so increasing railway transportation can contribute to this goal. This study is undertaken with the objective of discussing the significance of railway transportation as a transportation alternative, its potential in rural and township areas, and its contribution towards economic improvement. Through a desktop qualitative research approach, this study discusses the benefits of railway transportation in rural and township areas. This is achieved by exploiting literature from journal articles and government gazettes. Findings indicate that rail has a larger commuter capacity and offers more security and dependability than other modes of transport. The absence of competition in the railway system makes it a safer alternative compared to road transport, which can be affected by traffic volume. The study recommends prioritising rail transportation development in clustered rural and township areas to provide alternative transportation methods for the marginalised.