Construction of M4 Motorway advances with first site visits conducted

The first site visits for the construction of the M4 Motorway, connecting Forbach to the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR) International Airport, were conducted today in the presence of the Minister of National Infrastructure, Mr Govindranath Gunness, and the High Commissioner of India to Mauritius, Mr Anurag Srivastava.

The key locations along the proposed route includes Forbach, Rivière du Rempart, Pont Blanc, Constance, Bonne Mère, Clémencia and Bel Air Rivière Sèche.

The M4 Motorway project aims to significantly improve connectivity between the northern, eastern and southern regions of Mauritius while fostering economic development. An initial allocation of Rs 2 billion has been earmarked in Budget 2026-2027, with the remaining project costs to be financed under India's Special Economic Package for Mauritius.

In a statement, Minister Guness expressed gratitude to the Government of India and the Export-Import Bank of India for extending the line of credit that will help finance the project. He also noted that consultancy services for the East–South Road infrastructure from Bel Air to SSR International Airport have already been launched.

The Minister highlighted the current challenges faced by commuters, pointing out that the 30-kilometre journey from Forbach to Bel Air can take up to two and a half hours under normal traffic conditions. Once completed, the M4 Motorway is expected to reduce the travel time between the North, East and South to approximately 30 minutes, providing faster, safer and more comfortable journeys for both residents and tourists.

Describing the M4 as the first motorway to be built in the eastern region of Mauritius, Mr Gunness pointed out that the project will greatly benefit local communities while enhancing the country's road network.

He further explained that the bidding process and technical evaluation will be carried out in India, while the Road Development Authority will conduct the financial assessment. Construction works are expected to begin later this year and are scheduled for completion within 30 months, he said. According to him, the project has been designed with due consideration for environmental and ecological sustainability.

For his part, High Commissioner Srivastava stated that the M4 Motorway is among the flagship projects to be implemented under the Special Economic Package announced during the visit of the Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, to India in September last year.

Valued at approximately USD 680 million, the package comprises grants and blended financing and will support the implementation of eight major infrastructure projects in Mauritius. According to Mr Srivastava, the M4 Motorway is the largest of these initiatives, with an estimated investment of around USD 220 million.

He emphasised that the motorway will provide a modern, efficient and safe transport corridor linking the North, East and South of the island. The project, he added, is expected to improve the quality of life of citizens, facilitate economic activity along the corridor and contribute to the country's long-term development.

22 July 2026

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Topics: Construction