Robert Abela Confirms Talks On Malta Metro Back On Track
Prime Minister Robert Abela has confirmed that the government has reintensified discussions with international consultancy firm Arup on the possibility of building a mass transport system in Malta, including an underground metro.
Speaking in an interview with Malta Daily, Abela insisted the project has not been shelved, calling it “the way forward.” He said that Arup representatives will be visiting Malta in the coming weeks for further talks in which he will personally be involved.
The Prime Minister stressed that unlike in the past, both major parties need to unite on this ambitious project. He added that he is willing to involve the Opposition in discussions to ensure the plan moves forward “in the most sensible manner.”
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Asked about timelines, Abela said Arup had previously estimated that a full underground grid could take around 20 years to complete if Malta were to adopt the original proposal. However, government is still considering whether to pursue the full-scale project or a reduced version with fewer lines.
Back in 2021, then-Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg presented a proposal for a three-line underground metro with 25 stations across Malta. That plan, drawn up by Arup, came with a price tag of €6.2 billion and an estimated completion period of 15 to 20 years.
Meanwhile, the Nationalist Party had pledged during its 2022 electoral campaign to complete a “trackless tram” system within five years if elected, estimating its cost at €2.8 billion.
Arup is a global consultancy with expertise spanning more than 150 disciplines, including transport, infrastructure, energy, and sustainability.
Lovin Malta via Malta Daily.
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