Infrastructures - Ring Road: Limited Cracks on Phase 1

Infrastructures - Ring Road: Limited Cracks on Phase 1
By Sharone Samy
Wed, 05/11/2025 - 13:30

Construction work is underway on the road to prevent worsening issues.

Authorities assure that there is no risk for drivers. As the government prepares to launch the second phase of the Ring Road, the first section of this strategic infrastructure is back in the spotlight. Cracks have recently been observed on a portion of the road in Pailles, near the Leal roundabout, heading towards the Swami Vivekananda International Convention Centre (SVICC).

Public Infrastructure Minister Ajay Gunness aims to reassure the public, stating that everything is under control: "Cracks have been spotted on the Ring Road in Pailles, and we have already initiated measures with the contractor to address them. At this stage, the road is stable. I remind you that similar cracks appeared in 2013. There is no risk for motorists."

According to the minister, it is important to distinguish superficial cracks, which are related to natural wear, from structural deformations that could threaten safety. RDA technicians confirm that the observed cracks are limited. Regular inspections and waterproofing work are underway to prevent any worsening, especially with the rainy season approaching.

A Much-Awaited Phase 2

This situation arises as the long-awaited phase 2 of the project is about to commence. It aims to connect the current section of Montebello–Pailles to Tranquebar and Vallée-Pitot over approximately 4.75 kilometers. Two tunnels are planned: one 1.1 kilometers long under the Signaux mountain and another 775 meters long under Monneron hill. These structures will directly link the southern outskirts of Port-Louis to its northern entrance, avoiding the dense traffic of the capital.

The project's cost is estimated at Rs 5.2 billion, spread over three budgetary periods between 2027 and 2030. Funding will come from a line of credit and a grant from the Indian government, as part of the ongoing bilateral cooperation on other projects, including the M4 connecting Bel-Air to Forbach.

Ajay Gunness explains: "We have already acquired the land and finalized the route. The consultants are working on the geotechnical aspects. This time, we are proceeding with rigor. Each step will undergo independent validation to ensure the project's sustainability."

Inaugurated in 2013 for Rs 1.3 billion, the first phase of the Ring Road connects Montebello to Pailles. It was designed to allow motorists coming from the South to bypass Port-Louis without passing through its center. However, the project quickly turned into a fiasco: in 2014, a section collapsed in Pailles due to unstable soil and inadequate drainage. Since then, the road has remained partially underused, lacking an extension towards the capital.

The Ministry of Public Infrastructure assures that the new phase will take lessons learned into account. In-depth geotechnical studies, better drainage planning, and independent monitoring are planned to prevent any recurrence of previous failures. The goal is to provide a credible alternative to the M1 and ease traffic between the South, Central Plateau, and the North. For Ajay Gunness, the Ring Road must become "a symbol of efficiency and planning, not a reminder of failure."