[AML] SSR Airport Revives Its New Control Tower Project with Support from India

More than five years after the abrupt halt of construction, the new control tower at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (SSRIA) is set to move forward. An Indian delegation of experts visited the site this Tuesday to assess the progress of the work and define the steps needed for its completion.

This technical visit, organized by Airports of Mauritius Co. Ltd (AML), marks a decisive turning point for this strategically important infrastructure. The Indian officials conducted a thorough inspection of the unfinished site and compiled a list of the remaining work. Their mission is to precisely determine the support that New Delhi will provide to successfully complete this crucial project aimed at modernizing Mauritius's airport facilities.

A Commitment Made at the Highest Level

This revival is part of the agreements made during the official visit of Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam to India last September. During this visit, Mauritius secured significant financial support and technical cooperation from India for several major national projects, with the control tower being the top priority of this bilateral partnership.

Discussions also took place between the Indian experts and representatives from the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Finance, and the airport management to coordinate the next steps.

A Defining Moment

For Lormus Bundhoo, CEO of AML-ATOL, this visit represents much more than just a formality. "This visit marks a decisive moment for the revival of a project essential for the future development of our airport and for supporting the growth of air traffic under optimal safety conditions," he stated. He expressed confidence that work would soon resume thanks to the expertise of the Indian partners.

A Project Stalled Since 2020

The project had come to an abrupt halt in July 2020 when the construction company was placed under administration. This situation forced the authorities to cancel the contract, leaving the structure incomplete.

Five years later, with this new diplomatic and technical momentum, the infrastructure is finally expected to materialize. This is good news for the safety and efficiency of air operations in Mauritius, as the country aims to strengthen its position as a regional hub in the Indian Ocean.