The agency has set aside R1.9-billion (US$242-million) to overhaul trains' signalling systems. The investment forms part of Prasa's aim to make rail the backbone of transport systems in the country, as it is able to carry high volumes of commuters.

Prasa CEO Lucky Montana said: "The new signalling upgrades and the introduction of new technology will ensure operational efficiency, unlocking capacity and improving reliability."

Deputy Minister of Transport Jeremy Cronin said that rail was a far safer mode of transport as there were few accidents and fatalities than road-based transport.

Phase one of the signal upgrade has already begun at the Midway-Lenz corridor in the south of Johannesburg. Improvements will also be done in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape in November.

Prasa has also set aside R373-million ($47-million) to double rail tracks at Pretoria's Eerste Fabrieke and Greenview, build a new station at Greenville and upgrade the Mamelodi Gardens and Pienaarspoort stations. The doubling of 4.5km of tracks is currently under way between the Eerste Fabrieke and Greenview stations.