An agreement for the setting up of the Phoenix Mall Station as part of Phase 2b of the Metro Express project was signed between Metro Express Limited (MEL) and Ascencia Ltd, this morning, in presence of the Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Alan Ganoo. Various personalities were present on the occasion. The Phoenix Mall Station is expected to be operational by mid-2022.
The station will be completely integrated to the Mall and will comprise a Park and Ride and a ticket office. The travel time from the main stations to the Phoenix Mall Station are: from Vacoas – four minutes, Quatre-Bornes – 10 minutes and Curepipe and Rose-Hill – 15 minutes.
In his address, Minister Ganoo stressed that the signing of this project unequivocally demonstrates Government’s willingness to work closely with the private sector on national development projects. He said this collaboration heralds new perspectives and opportunities and added that he is confident that all parties will benefit from it, including the population.
He underlined that the construction of this station is in line with Government’s vision to improve the quality of life of all citizens by providing them with a fast, reliable, comfortable and safe means of transport through the Metro Express.
Furthermore, the Minister observed that the station will allow better accessibility to the inhabitants of the region, while the Park and Ride will encourage the public to drop off their vehicles to travel by the Metro Express.
The Minister also expressed satisfaction that the Metro Express has been adopted by a large part of the population, with an average of 12,000 passengers per day. This, he added, will be increased with the setting up of this new station.
He announced that the Government has decided to extend the Metro Express network from Rose Hill to Réduit, through Ebène, to better serve the neighbouring regions to enable the smooth unfolding of economic and social activities and to facilitate the travel of students.
According to Mr Ganoo, the extension of the Metro Express line across the country will allow better connectivity to our citizens.
The Minister further announced that with the Victoria Urban Terminal which is on track to be completed, the choice of the promotor for the Urban Terminal in Vacoas will be soon finalised.
In order to face the challenges engendered by the Covid-19 pandemic, we need to unify and synchronise our energy and efforts to revive the economic machine, he concluded.
As for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MEL, Mr Das Mootanah, he said that this station forms part of the 20 Metro Express stations and is a great addition to the Metro Express project for which the Curepipe line will be completed by next year. Our target is to ensure that the station is operational by mid next year, he emphasised.
The CEO of Ascencia Ltd, Mr F. Tyack indicated that the project is based on enhancing accessibility, safety and comfort. Our collaboration with MEL is an excellent example of how we can work hand in hand towards a greener and modern Mauritius, he stated.
As for the Chairman of Ascencia Ltd, Mr. P. Espitalier-Noël, he expressed confidence that the station will help to shape the country’s economic landscape during a time where mutual support and team spirit are key to address prevailing challenges.
He pointed out that the collaboration supports the country’s economic interest. ‘As we are investing in the country’s infrastructure, we are contributing to enhance the quality of life of Mauritians’, he underscored. The station will be an asset for the generations to come and will bring opportunities for SMEs, he said.
