A new transport terminal was unveiled by the Minister of Public Infrastructure and Land Transport, Nandcoomar Bodha, during a press conference in Port-Louis, the Capital of Mauritius recently.

The Mauritius’ Victoria Bus Station, Victoria Urban Terminal, will be re-engineered into a key multimodal complex in July this year.

Bodha announced that the first part of the terminal will be completed in July this year. He said the laying of the foundation stone of the terminal has been scheduled for March.

“A fast track committee has been set up for the monitoring of the Victoria Urban Terminal which is expected to be completed in some two years,” said Bodha.

He said redevelopment and modernization of the terminals into safer and integrated urban spaces is imperative in the wake of the Metro Express project which he referred to, as the heartthrob of Smart Mauritius.

“The Terminal project is a concrete example of public and private partnership to regenerate public facilities and modernize the infrastructure for an improved quality of life of the population.”

Bodha emphasized that the terminal will incorporate contemporary features coupled with a cultural touch so as to preserve the historical elements of Port-Louis.

He noted that the terminal will also be endowed with greenies in view of ensuring compliance with environmental norms. This station is the first of its kind is worth Rs 1.85 billion.

This terminal project revolves around a redefined architecture including the restoration of the ex-NTA building, provision of space for leisure activities, food courts, shops and lucrative commercial activities as well as historical monuments. Close to 100 000 passengers are expected to pass through the Victoria Urban Terminal on a daily basis.

The project spreads over an area of 5.25 acres. It will house a terminal comprising 22 stands, offices on area, a parking area, the Victoria Market, the Victoria Shopping Center, a supermarket, and a food court. About 1600 hawkers will also be accommodated in the complex.