NATIONAL RAIL utility Spoornet has committed itself to upgrading rail links within the major Eastern Cape metros, as well as between the region and the rest of the country. Public Enterprises minister Jeff Radebe says additional infrastructure investment to provide rail facilities and the extension of a railway line from Coega to the Port Elizabeth network will proceed shortly. The cost to Spoornet of will be around R500 million. Spoornet is also looking at improving links between the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) and the hinterland, according to Coega Development Corporation (CDC) Executive manager business development, Graham Price. He told FTW that “the IDZ is about the efficient movement of cargo. Over the last six months we have been approached by all the major logistics companies in South Africa. The CDC is assisting Spoornet with the configuration of a fast rail link to Gauteng.” According to Price, Spoornet has established a team in Port Elizabeth specifically to focus on the Coega rail links. In another investment, tenders have been called for the refurbishment and restoration of the railway line between East London and Umtata. According to a tender notice issued by the department of transport, the work on the existing railway line includes earth work repairs, fencing and drainage work, sleeper replacement, track work and bridge refurbishment. Strong emphasis will be placed on the use of local labour and resources.