The construction of the Pierrefonds to Cascavelle segment of the Flic-en-Flac Bypass kicked-off, on 24th July 2023, at Cascavelle, with a groundbreaking ceremony graced by the Prime Minister, Hon. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth. The Prime Minister also proceeded to the unveiling of a plaque of the road project.
The event, jointly organised by the Medine Ltd and the Road Development Authority (RDA), was attended by several personalities including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail, Hon. Alan Ganoo, the Minister of National Infrastructure and Community Development, Hon. Mahendranuth Sharma Hurreeram, and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Medine Ltd, Mr. Dhiren Ponnusamy.
In his keynote address, the Prime Minister stated that the construction of the Pierrefonds to Cascavelle segment of the Flic-en-Flac Bypass forms part of the larger national project aiming at connecting the center of the country to the West. He highlighted that the Bypass will be fully funded by the Medine Ltd, and will contribute to add to the road network with an East-West Connector. The project, he said, is aligned to the strategy of the Road Decongestion Programme and will considerably enhance access to all areas of the island, alleviate traffic jam and thus improve the quality of life of the road users and residents.
Speaking about the increasing demographic trend in the area as well as the flourishing business activities, the Prime Minister expressed conviction that the development of the region is set to continue to flourish.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister underpinned the crucial role of the private-public partnership between the Government and Medine Ltd in concretising this project of national significance for the benefit of the region and the country. We have benefited from the expertise, knowledge, competencies and optimization of resources through this partnership, he pointed out, while lauding the commitment of Medine Ltd in supporting the country’s socio-economic progress and sustainable development.
As for Minister Alan Ganoo, he emphasized that this project will be a major game changer for the region as it is poised to transform the landscape of the region through improved accessibility and smooth traffic flow. He remarked that the West has become a main pillar of economic activities and witnessed an increase of 14 % in its population, which have considerably increased the influx of movement.
This progress, he pointed out, is being supported with major infrastructural development to cater for more facilities for the residents of the region.
Also present on the occasion, Minister Hurreeram observed that the initiative is yet another national project spearheaded by the Government to reconfigure and improve the road infrastructure around the country. He added that other similar projects are being undertaken by the Government in line with its vision to modify the road networks to improve road accessibility and connectivity with the objective of fostering a modern country for the benefit of the population.
On his part, Mr. Ponnusamy said that Medine Ltd is honoured to contribute and entirely fund the Bypass project to the tune of around Rs 1.4 billion which, according to him, is the most significant contribution made by a private body for the implementation of a national project. Moreover, he recalled that the Medine Group will put 162.49 acres of land at the disposal of the RDA.
The Project
The investment cost required for the construction of Flic en Flac Bypass from Xavier to Pierrefonds is estimated at MUR 1,217,848,850.00 Incl. VAT. The project has been allocated to Transinvest Construction Limited and is expected to be completed in July 2025.
This 5.2km long road will include an interchange at Cascavelle, three new roundabouts connecting the new road with the existing roads, the construction of a 72m long bridge crossing the Rempart River near Beau Songes, the construction of a cycle path throughout the project, the construction of pedestrian crossings, the construction of bus stops and shelters, the supply of road lighting and safety equipment for the road and development works landscaped.
Government, through the RDA, has invested considerably to open up the western region with the construction of the road La Vigie La Brasserie Phase 1, La vigie la Brasseries Phase 2 and now the Flic en Flic Bypass. The three 21 km long projects will improve the connections of the center and the south with the western part of the country.
Segment 1:
A new road linking the Flic en Flac Road (B34), Riviere Noire Road (A3) including the construction of the Flyover to Palma Road (B2) and Cascavelle Branch Road with the two round points connecting the village of Cascavelle, the new Bypass and the Beau Songes Link Road is expected to be completed in January 2025.
Segment 2:
A new road linking Cascavelle Branch Road to Pierrefonds (Phase 2 of the project). The work consists, among other things, of the construction of a 72m long bridge and 2.8 km of road. Segment 2 is expected to be completed in July 2025.
Segment 3:
The segment from Pierrefonds to Cascavelle includes the construction of approximately 5.2Km long single carriageway from the junction with Black River Road (A3) to the new roundabout at Pierrefonds.
A special thanks to all stakeholders involved.
