The Gautrain rail project, one of the flagship initiatives associated with the 2010 FIFA World Cup, remains on track with the crucial first leg of the route on schedule to complete by the end of the year.

The physical civil engineering work and track laying between Sandton Station and OR Tambo International Airport is on track to be completed by December this year, says project leader Jack van der Merwe in a report in Business Day.

The Sandton-OR Tambo route was a key factor in South Africa’s winning the 2010 bid, as Johannesburg will be the hub of the tournament, with the opening ceremony, first game and final all to be held in the city.

Recruitment for staff to test and drive the trains will begin in March, part of the more than 300,000 direct and related jobs the Gautrain is expected to create by the end of this year.