A high-speed train linking Johannesburg and Durban in under three hours had been “agreed in principle” and was just waiting for approval, KwaZulu-Natal’s transport department head, Kwazi Mbanjwa, said yesterday.

Speaking at the South African Road Federation Conference in Durban, Mbanjwa said the high- speed train was one of the projects being discussed as part of government’s national rail plan.

“We are waiting for approval. We should know by the end of October,” he said.

Mbanjwa and KwaZulu-Natal premier Sbu Ndebele were speaking at a press briefing after Ndebele had addressed delegates at the three-day conference, hosted jointly by the South African Road Federation and the International Road Federation.

Mbanjwa said the cost of upgrading the line between the two cities still had to be finalised.

The premier said there had to “be a legacy beyond 2010”, when SA hosts the Fifa World Cup.

Ndebele said the provision of a rail service within Durban also had to be addressed before 2010.

“When you have a (Orlando) Pirates and (Kaizer) Chiefs match here it is a nightmare. The rail network needs to be upgraded.” Earlier this year the R1,6bn King Senzangakhona stadium, seating up to 80000, was unveiled. A new suburban railway station is being constructed near the new stadium. Currently, major soccer matches are played at the Absa stadium

Ndebele said plans were being made to ensure there was enough cement for the construction that would take place ahead of 2010.

Apart from the stadium, government last month approved the Dube Trade Port, which will include Durban’s new King Shaka International Airport.

Authorities hope to have completed the new airport before the tournament begins.

Ndebele said that to increase Durban’s room capacity during 2010, the option of having luxury cruise liners tied up in harbour was being considered.

“Transport and accommodation during 2010 are critical issues. If Brazil and England make KwaZulu-Natal their base during the world cup, what about the fans?”

He said the envisaged construction was also putting a strain on skills and the provincial government was pushing to get more tradesmen trained.

“You can find the elite, but there are also not enough plumbers when you need one,” Ndebele said. The conference ends tomorrow.