Quito Metro Extension: CAF Funding, New Line & Rail Infrastructure

CAF assesses the **Quito Metro extension**, a 5km line adding four stations. Financial backing from multiple institutions supports the **railway** project’s expansion plans.

Quito Metro Extension: CAF Funding, New Line & Rail Infrastructure
October 14, 2025 9:54 am
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Introduction

The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) visited the Quito Metro to assess the planned extension project, which will add a 5 km long line from the current Labrador station to the La Ofelia micro-terminal.

Quito Metro Extension Project Overview

The Quito Metro extension project involves a 5 km long new line. This line will connect the current Labrador station with the La Ofelia ground-level micro-terminal. The new section will feature four new stations: Bicentenario, Andalucía, Rosario, and Ofelia. The journey time along this extension is estimated to be 8 minutes.

Financial Interest and Support

CAF is one of several multilateral organisations interested in financing the extension project, having previously participated in the construction of the Quito Metro’s first line. The Quito Metro has also been in contact with other financial institutions. These include the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the European Investment Bank (EIB), all of which have shown interest in supporting the Quito Metro extension project.

Current Project Phase

The Quito Metro is currently in the process of evaluating bids for a consultancy. This consultancy will conduct final studies for the four new stations towards La Ofelia. These studies will also include proposed extensions towards Calderón and plans to strengthen the existing rail infrastructure. The next step following the final designs will be to contract a construction firm to carry out the extension.

Operational and Infrastructure Details

The first line of Quito Metro began passenger service in 2023. It connects the south part of the city (Quitumbe) with the northern part (El Labrador). This 22.6 km line has 15 stations. The trains are supplied by the Spanish manufacturer CAF. The completion of the extension will create a fully continuous line from Quitumbe to La Ofelia, with a travel time of approximately 42 minutes.

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Conclusion

The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) visited the Quito Metro project to assess the planned extension. The extension project includes a new 5 km line with four new stations. CAF and other financial institutions have expressed interest in supporting the project, which is currently in the bidding phase for final studies.

Company Summary

CAF: The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Technology

No technology is mentioned in the source.

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