TGM Rail Extension Spurs New Commuter Hub in Bhar Lazreg

Commuting patterns in Tunis are set for a major shift as the much-anticipated Tunis-Goulette-Marsa (TGM) rail extension finally opens its new platforms in Bhar Lazreg, instantly transforming the once-sleepy northern neighbourhood into the capital’s latest commuter hotspot.

This new rail link, officially commissioned by TRANSTU on July 1, comes as rising property prices and congestion pressures squeeze buyers and renters out of traditional city districts such as La Marsa and the bustling city centre. With express services now connecting Bhar Lazreg to Tunis Marine in just 21 minutes, planners expect significant developer interest and a knock-on effect on local real estate.

From Outlying District to Residential Magnet

Local residents in La Goulette and Bhar Lazreg woke last Monday to the sight of commuters streaming from the newly completed station, located at Avenue Abdelhamid Ibn Badis near the Sidi Bou Said roundabout. For decades, this area has sat on the fringes of the capital’s residential ambitions—close to the wealth of Gammarth and the storied beaches of La Marsa, but lacking the vital infrastructure and connectivity that buyers demand. TRANSTU, city officials and private developers see this as the crucial missing piece.

Within days of the rail extension's opening, estate agents reported a notable uptick in enquiries and site visits. Imed Hammami, a manager at local agency El Amana Immobilier, said his office has already listed five new-apartment complexes launched between Route de la Marsa and Rue du Lac de Gafsa since May. "Developers have targeted Bhar Lazreg for years, but struggled to convince young families to move due to transport hassles," he explained. "With the TGM upgrade, everything is different." Flooded with commuters during weekday mornings, coffee kiosks and a new branch of Café Azaiez on Place de la République have also seen brisk business.

Lower Rents and New Opportunities

Hard numbers help explain the surge. According to TRANSTU’s June 2026 figures, weekday ridership on the Bhar Lazreg extension averaged 3,200 passengers daily by its first Friday—triple the projections set by the city council’s planning directorate last autumn. Residential rents in the immediate area, meanwhile, still average just 750 dinars for a modern two-bedroom—a sharp discount compared to La Marsa, where comparable units now top 1,250 dinars and have seen an 11 percent rise since last summer. The opening of the new Carrefour Market branch at Avenue Khaled Ibn El Walid added retail jobs and fresh amenities for incoming residents.

Still, planning officials warn that rapid growth could put pressure on local services and schools. The municipality cites possible extensions of bus line 43 and investment in additional healthcare clinics if demand keeps up. Several residential projects, including Jardins du Nord, have applied for new development permits along Rue du Soleil, betting on an influx of professionals seeking affordable commutes.

For buyers and renters considering Bhar Lazreg, estate agents suggest moving quickly to secure the best deals before prices are pushed higher by growing demand. Next month, TRANSTU plans to run additional express trains at peak hours, with city authorities promising further upgrades along the TGM corridor by the end of 2026. For now, the message is clear: Bhar Lazreg is on the map—and moving fast.