Africa-Press – Mauritius. The Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Alan Ganoo, was at Caudan in Port-Louis, today, to visit four work construction segments which are all major components of the Metro Express project, namely: Victoria Urban Terminal (VUT) Connectivity Works, Le Pouce Bridge, Waterfront Platform, and Caudan Works.
The CEO of MEL (Metro Express Ltd), Dr Das Mootanah, and other personalities were present for the site visits. The works being undertaken relate to the integration of various projects under the Metro Express venture.
In a statement, the Minister highlighted that there are no additional costs involved for the construction works being undertaken and form part of the whole project. He further expressed satisfaction with regards to the overall work progress achieved so far by the contractors under the supervision of MEL.
In addition, he announced that a temporary platform, that is, the Waterfront Platform, will be constructed vis-à-vis the Government House pending approval of the UNESCO to set up a station at Immigration Square due to concerns with regards to its proximity with the Aapravasi Ghat World Heritage Site.
As for the Caudan Works, Mr Ganoo declared that a new temporary station will be constructed and will be located before the present station at Caudan and when works are completed the present station at Caudan will become operational once again.
According to him, all these works are expected to be completed within six to seven months. Mr Ganoo seized the opportunity to convey his gratitude the Indian Government for their assistance as well as to all stakeholders involved in making the Metro Express project a reality which is in fact changing the landscape of Mauritius.
Moreover, the Minister spoke about the extension of the Metro Express route from Rose Hill-Ebène-Réduit with the start of preliminary works. This route is expected to serve an additional 15 000 commuters and works for this route will be undertaken in parallel to the other works under the Metro Express project and are expected to be completed by the end of 2022.
The Rose Hill-Quatre Bornes route is highly successful and has already registered an additional 6 000 commuters, and the Metro Express, undeniably, has become a popular means of transport for Mauritians, he added.
Presently, works are underway in Quatre Bornes, Phoenix, Vacoas and Curepipe, which are expected to be completed by end 2022, and the delay is due the lockdown.
Victoria Urban Terminal (VUT) Connectivity Works
For the time being, VUT is being constructed with the overhead pedestrian structure linking the Metro Station to VUT.
In this context, connectivity works such as the installation of (1) escalator, (2) lifts, (3) canopy, and (4) tying and finishing works are being planned in the coming months.
The duration of works is: July 2021 – October 2021. Le Pouce Bridge
The Le Pouce Bridge will be upgraded to cater for the metro light rail system. This will entail preparatory works, traffic diversions, piling works, utilities diversions and girders installation.
The duration of works is: July 2021 – January 2022. Waterfront Platform
As part of Phase 2B, a station at Aapravasi Ghat is needed. However, pending approval of UNESCO, MEL requested for a temporary platform to be constructed by the Waterfront’s underpass as a temporary measure to facilitate commuters’ journey to Immigration Square.
Hence, works such as utilities relocation and retaining walls will be required at this location. The duration of works is: August 2021 – February 2022.
Caudan Works
In view of the numerous projects in this region, MEL and L&T are undertaking improvement (enabling) works at the entrance of Caudan. A New Station at Caudan, Caudan Flyover (300m from PLV) with the installation of a platform, will be constructed. The duration of works is: July 2021 – December 2021.
