Roads and Transport MEC Thobile Mhlahlo made the announcement this week, at a media briefing here by the Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development Cluster.
 
The above named cluster consists of the provincial the treasury, economic affairs and tourism, agriculture and land affairs as well as roads and transport departments.
 
Mr Mhlahlo emphasized the need to complete the Kei rail project at the earliest convenience.
 
The MEC said the national government was viewing the R200 million project between East London and Mtata as a possible benchmark exercise.
 
"If the project works - and it will - similar project will be launched elsewhere in South Africa to get our rail system back on track. The utilization of a well run railway system will ease the enormous pressure on our roads," the MEC said.
 
Some R30 million has been used in the project's first phase to conduct initial land surveying and upgrading work, much of which is being done by women.
 
Mr Mhlahlo said Transport Minister Jeff Radebe would visit the province soon and Cabinet had set up a commuter rail committee that would identify railway lines that could be utilized in the province.
 
"Upgrading of railway stations including Butterworth and Mtata are part of the process of an integrated strategy of railway development," the MEC added.
 
The MEC for Economic Affairs, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Andre De Wet, supported the initiative, describing the Kei rail link as a vital corridor for integrated economic growth.
 
"Kei rail link is not just a railway line but also a concerted effort to enhance economic activity in the Eastern Cape, especially the Coega and Industrial Development Zone (IDZ)". Mr De Wet said.
 
He said the railway would serve both the commuter and freight needs and afford vast investments for both the public and private sectors.
 
According to De Wet the project was also likely to draw investor attention from abroad.
 
Infrastructures along the line would need to be upgraded to make it available and viable, for use by agriculture, forestry, and the manufacturing sectors.
 
Mr Mhlahlo said talks were underway with other public transport role players such as buses and taxis to bring them on board.
 
He also mentioned that there were talks around the upgrading of East-London-Gauteng line for use by motor manufacturing and allied industries.