THE Maltese government has released plans for a 35km, three line, 25 station metro system for the island’s main city Valletta. Consultants from UK firm Arup estimate the system would cost around €6.2 billion and take up to 20 years to build. An automated metro similar to that in service in the Danish capital Copenhagen is envisaged. Full details of the proposals can be found online at www.metro.mt
Malta previously had a railway; the 11km-long metre gauge Malta Railway opened on February 28, 1883 but closed 48 years later on March 31, 1931.
None of the 10 British built locos used survives but the railway museum at the old Birchircara Railway station is adjacent to one of the proposed new metro stations.