Prime Minister Robert Abela: Underground Mass Transport System Is the Way Forward

Prime Minister Robert Abela said in an exclusive interview with Malta Daily on Sunday morning that the government has reintensified discussions with Arup regarding mass transportation and the development of an underground system. He stated that the government has not set aside the idea and described it as the way forward.

In the coming weeks, Arup representatives will be visiting Malta for further talks in which the Prime Minister himself will be personally involved. Abela highlighted the importance of political alignment, noting that unlike in the past, both major parties in Malta need to unite on this ambitious project. He expressed his willingness to involve the Opposition in discussions to ensure that progress is made in the most sensible manner.

When asked about timelines, Abela explained that Arup had initially estimated 20 years for the full grid to be completed if the government opted to implement the entire plan presented a few years ago. However, the government is still considering whether to proceed with the full-scale project or adopt a reduced version with fewer underground lines.

In 2021, then-Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg presented a proposal for a three-line underground metro system with 25 stations across Malta. According to studies by London-based consultants Arup Group, the project would cost around €6.2 billion and take between 15 and 20 years to complete.

Arup is a global consultancy providing expertise across more than 150 disciplines, including infrastructure, buildings, energy, and sustainability for the built environment.

The Nationalist Party, in contrast, had pledged in 2022 to complete a “trackless tram” project within five years of being elected, estimating its cost at €2.8 billion.

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