Mauritius Metro Express
Light rail project set to have a major impact on the economy of Mauritius
The Mauritius Light Rapid Transit (LRT) Project, or the Metro Express, entails the development of a light rail system that seeks to resolve chronic road congestion along the strategic Curepipe to Port Louis transport corridor.
Designed as a 26 km-long light rail system, the Metro Express is to comprise 19 stations, including six interchanges. It aims to enhance travel between the capital, Port Louis, and the city of Curepipe, linking major town centres to the capital.
The first 13 km-section of the system was officially inaugurated in October 2019, and started revenue service in January 2019.
Zutari have been supporting the Government of Mauritius since 2012 for the development of this world class project under a government-to-government arrangement with the Singapore Cooperation Enterprise and SMRT International. This started with developing a detailed feasibility study, producing the reference design and operational strategy, and supporting the government through the procurement process and project implementation. This included the institutional development activities required to enable the Government to implement the project.
The challenges of a rapidly growing economy, increasingly unsustainable car ownership, and limited travel options in terms of public transportation services needed to be overcome, as these were causing considerable road congestion during peak traffic periods in and around Port Louis.
Zutari outlined an extensive infrastructure plan that involved a world-class light rail transit project to serve commuters travelling between Curepipe and Port Louis.
In addition to creating more than 7 000 full-time jobs during construction, the commercial interest in the project and the opportunities it presents will be significant.
Zutari outlined an extensive infrastructure plan that involved a world-class light rail transit project to serve commuters travelling between Curepipe and Port Louis.
The proposal included bus-rail interchanges, local stations, depots, and major roadworks. Together, these make the Metro Express network one of the largest infrastructure projects undertaken on the island that aligns with and supports the Mauritian government’s ambitious developmental and economic growth strategy to date.
In addition to creating more than 7 000 full-time jobs during construction, the commercial interest in the project and the opportunities it presents will be significant, with associated property development and commercial opportunities worth hundreds of millions of dollars as a direct benefit of the project’s implementation. Indirect opportunities will be observed as commercial and residential property values in nearby areas increase.
Zutari is extremely proud to be a part of this project, as it extends our track record for making a real difference in communities in Africa.
*The Aurecon Africa business has been officially renamed Zutari as at 21 July 2020. Zutari acquired Aurecon Middle East on 20 November 2020.
