Train travel in Mauritius is limited to light rail system connecting the capital Port Louis with the town of Rose Hill. In the past, long-distance trains operated in Mauritius – railway network was well-developed and trains were a basic means of transport for locals and tourists
Last updated: 11.03.2024
Metro Express
The first section of the light railway in Mauritius was put into operation in 2019. The first section from Immigration Square in Port Louis to the town of Rose Hill was opened on 3 October 2019. Trains on this route stopped at seven designated stops. The length of this section was 13 km.
In spring 2021 a section from Rose Hill to Quatre Bornes was opened (2.5 km). Next year the line was extended to Curepipe (10.5 km).
In 2023 an extension from Victoria Terminal to Aapravasi Ghat in Port Louis (0.6 km) was completed and branch from Rose Hill to Reduit was built (3.4 km).
The light rail system is sponsored by India. Part of the route follows old railway line operated by Mauritius Government Railway.
Metro Express – official website
History of the railway in Mauritius
In the 1860s, Mauritius was experiencing rapid economic development- it became necessary to build infrastructure connecting the most important urban centers with small settlements. The railway was a perfect choice for this purpose.
In 1864, the first railway line was opened. The approximately 50-kilometer Northern Line lead from Port Louis to Grand River South East Station through the districts of Pamplemousses, Rivière du Rempart and Flacq. The first train set off on May 23, 1864.
On October 22, 1865, the second railway line, theso-called Midlands Line was put into operation. The length of the line was 56 kilometers, trains ran on the Port Louis – Mahébourg route through Beau Bassin, Rose Hill, Quatre Bornes, Phoenix, Vacoas, Curepipe and Rose-Belle.
In the following years, several minor railway lines and branch lines were built:
On December 11, 1876, the Moka – Flacq line was inaugurated, 42 kilometers long. The line connected to both previously constructed lines. 18 kilometers long branch of the Midlands Line from Rose-Belle to Souillac was opened shortly after.
On August 27, 1904, the Black River line from Port Louis to Tamarin was opened.
On September 21, 1903, the 6.5 km Long Mountain Branch was inaugurated.
A number of short narrow-gauge lines were also built connecting sugar cane plantations with main railway stations. There was a post office at every station, parcels were transported by train, and the Mauritius railway was commemorated on stamps issued by the local post office.
The railway lines were primarily used to transport sugar cane, but passenger trains were also launched. Trains were operated by Mauritius Government Railways.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Mauritius had approximately 200 kilometers of railway lines. In its heyday, the Mauritius Government Railways had 52 steam locomotives, 200 passenger carriages and 750 freight carriages.
After World War II, railway transport declined, and the railway began to lose competition to the road transport.
The last passenger train set off on March 31, 1956. Sugar cane railways and freight trains operated until 1964. The tracks were dismantled and scrapped.
Old station buildings are mainly used for other purposes. In addition, locomotives and wagons were placed as monuments on the premises of several sugar factories.
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