Mauritius Commits Rs 1.64 Billion to Metro Express as Airport Extension Enters Long-Term Vision
Mauritius is entering a defining chapter in the life of its Metro Express light rail system, with the Government confirming an allocation of approximately Rs 1.64 billion to strengthen the network's financial foundations, refurbish its fleet and sustain daily operations. The move signals a shift in focus from initial construction to long-term performance, offering the African travel and transport industry a valuable reference point on how island nations can evolve their public mobility systems into engines of tourism, trade and sustainability.
The funding announcement was made in Port Louis by Minister of Land Transport, Mr Mahomed Osman Cassam Mahomed, alongside Metro Express Ltd Chief Executive Officer Mr Rishikesh Brojmohun and other senior officials. The press briefing followed a virtual engagement with Crossrail International Ltd, a public body under the United Kingdom Government's Department for Transport, which is providing technical assistance through the UK Green Cities, Infrastructure and Energy Programme. The support falls under the UK-Mauritius Strategic Partnership Framework within the Growth, Trade and Investment Agenda, and includes an Operations and Maintenance Review of Metro Express Ltd carried out through the Office of the Public Sector Governance.
According to Minister Mahomed, the light rail service currently transports between 35,000 and 36,000 passengers each day. Findings from the Crossrail International review estimate that the network generates core monetised benefits of approximately Rs 1.7 billion annually. These calculations, based on data supplied by Metro Express Ltd and a UK-endorsed methodology, capture value that had never been factored into the original project assessment.
The benefits identified stretch far beyond fare revenue. They include avoided road accidents, user gains from business, commuting and leisure travel, the energy value of avoided carbon emissions, and the significant reduction of traffic congestion in Mauritius' busiest corridors. Wider economic dividends were also highlighted, particularly contracts awarded to local businesses and small and medium enterprises since 2021, employment created through Metro Express Ltd subcontractors, and the broader societal value generated by these jobs. For African destinations exploring rail as a driver of tourism accessibility and green mobility, this framing offers a compelling model.
Cost discipline has also been a major priority. As at June 2025, Metro Express Ltd had achieved a 10.4 per cent reduction in total operational expenditure compared with June 2024. Savings were achieved through the closure of under-utilised administrative offices carrying high rental costs, the suspension of light rail operations on public holidays along Line 2 between Rose Hill Central and Mahatma Gandhi in Réduit, and the reduction of vehicles operating on Line 2 during Saturday early mornings and late afternoons. Additional ticket controllers have been recruited to tackle fare evasion, tightening revenue leakage across the network.
On the revenue side, Metro Express Ltd is pursuing several forward-looking strategies. These include boosting light rail vehicle availability during peak hours, generating income through the commercialisation of advertising space, and preparing to launch a pilot direct light rail service between Curepipe Central Light Rail Station and Mahatma Gandhi Light Rail Station in Réduit. This targeted service is expected to attract new riders while making better use of existing infrastructure.
Perhaps most significant for the region's travel sector is the long-term ambition, subject to Cabinet approval, of extending the Metro Express network to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport and the southern region of Mauritius. Minister Mahomed noted that stretching the existing Port Louis to Curepipe line towards the airport would be feasible by reusing the former railway tracks along the Port Louis to Mahebourg corridor. Such an extension would revolutionise tourist arrivals experience, cutting journey times, easing airport traffic and positioning Mauritius as an even more attractive destination for international visitors and business travellers exploring the Indian Ocean gateway.
