Cabinet has approved the release of the Green Paper on National Rail Policy for public consultation.

The Green Paper tackled issues in the local freight and passenger rail transportation industry.

The policy, which was aligned to the work of the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission, would contribute to the revitalisation of the railway industry through strategic investment-led policy interventions aligned to the National Development Plan.

The aim was to create an efficient transport system that would compete locally and internationally, while reducing transportation costs and encouraging the use of appropriate technologies to increase productivity and the acquisition of much-needed skills in the economy.

It was also aimed at improving rural access, increased mobility and job creation.

In February 2012, then Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele said the policy would cover freight and long-distance passenger and commuter rail services, while focusing on investment and the introduction of modern technology.

The policy would also look at viable proposals for investment to restore “rail to its rightful place in our country’s economy”.