Davis Langdon has been appointed project manager on a £1.5bn rail project in South Africa.

The consultant will also conduct civil and M&E engineering audits on the Gautrain rapid rail link contract, which will operate between Pretoria and Johannesburg. Arup and ADA Architects are also working on the project.

The 80 km train link will have 10 stations, including a stop at Johannesburg International Airport. It is intended to ease congestion between the two cities and improve transport links before the 2010 World Cup.

Alistair Reid, director of Davis Langdon’s South African practice, said:

“We are delighted to be working on what is one of the largest single construction projects commissioned in South Africa. The Gautrain rapid rail link will play a pivotal role in improving the region’s transport infrastructure, linking the strategic points of Pretoria, Johannesburg and the international airport, which is currently under tremendous pressure.”

In a second win in the country Davis Langdon will be working on the £149m central terminal building at Johannesburg International Airport, which will include the Gautrain station.

• Architect John McAslan + Partners is to design 10 underground stations for the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.