Nicosia has unveiled a comprehensive €192 million sustainable urban mobility plan aimed at transforming its transport system by 2030.
The ambitious scheme seeks to reduce the city’s heavy reliance on cars, which currently account for more than 85% of all journeys, whilst promoting public transport and sustainable mobility options.
The plan, approved by the Environmental Authority, envisions Nicosia as a “15-minute connected multicore city“, where residents can access key services within a quarter-hour journey by foot, bicycle, or public transport.
The total investment is expected to reach €201.52 million by 2030, accounting for inflation, with projected societal benefits, including residual infrastructure value, estimated at €453.79 million over six years.
Major infrastructure projects include €111 million for historical and commercial centre renovations, such as the old Strovolos core and the commercial centres of Nicosia and Lakatamia. Additionally, €46 million will go to public transport improvements and €13 million for cycling infrastructure development.
The scheme encompasses significant changes to speed limits, with new 30 km/h zones to be implemented in several districts including Aglantzia, within Nicosia’s walls, Kaimakli, and Pallouriotissa, at a cost of €2.9 million.
Current public transport usage in Nicosia stands at just 2-4%, with cycling and walking accounting for another 4%. The new plan aims to address issues stemming from excessive private vehicle use, including air pollution, noise, traffic accidents, and illegal parking.
The initiative aligns with Cyprus’s updated National Energy and Climate Plan, which targets a 30% reduction in petrol-powered private vehicles and diesel buses, replacing them with electric alternatives by 2030. The capital’s entire bus fleet is scheduled to be fully electric by the same year.
A major component is the new 32-kilometre four-lane peripheral motorway connecting the Nicosia-Limassol, Nicosia-Troodos, and Nicosia-Palaichori highways, designed to serve as a bypass for the urban complex.
Significant road projects include the €7 million upgrade of the central Tseri axis and €31 million improvements to Argyroupoleos, Ippocratous, and Tseri avenues in Lakatamia and Strovolos districts.
The plan covers multiple municipalities including Nicosia, Agios Dometios, Strovolos, Engomi, Lakatamia, Tseri, Geri, Aglantzia, Latsia, and Dali, along with several communities in the greater urban area.
Key infrastructure developments include:
- Renovation of eight historical centres (Strovolos, Lakatamia, Agios Dometios, Agioi Omologites, Nicosia, Aglantzia, Engomi, Kaimakli)
- Implementation of controlled parking zones with premium rates
- Development of major commercial projects including the old GSP stadium redevelopment
- Creation of thirteen new cycling routes, including university connections
- Enhancement of twenty public transport initiatives including new circular routes
Municipal authorities said the plan would be adaptable to accommodate unexpected changes affecting urban mobility and insights gained during implementation.
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