Réunion Tram Train

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The Réunion Tram Train (French: Tram-train de la Réunion) is a planned 70-kilometer tram-train line along the northern coast of Réunion. Construction of the first phase is scheduled to start in 2008, for completion in 2012.

The line will operate as a hybrid of a tram and a train, with tram-like street-level stations in the towns and train-like speeds of up to 100 km/h on dedicated right of way between them. Trains would be capable of carrying up to 250 passengers; the route would also be capable of carrying freight from the port.

From west to north, the projected route of the first phase (38 km, 25 stations) will start from St Paul and pass through St Denis, terminating at Roland Garros Airport in Ste Marie. The mountainous topography of Réunion will necessitate a large number of viaducts and tunnels: the first phase includes 11 major engineering structures including a 10 kilometre tunnel and the highest railway bridge in the world. The cost is estimated to be €1.25 billion for the first phase alone. A further extension east to St Benoit is envisioned.