Project Profile: Grand Paris Express (GPE)

The Grand Paris Express (GPE) is one of Europe’s largest infrastructure projects, establishing a 200 km fully automated orbital metro network around Paris. Engineered to integrate with the existing RER and Métro systems, the GPE is designed to redefine regional mobility, drive significant economic development across the Île-de-France region, and set a new global benchmark for large-scale automated transit infrastructure.

Technical Specifications

The GPE network is defined by its scale and technological sophistication. The core of the project comprises four new orbital lines (15, 16, 17, 18) designed to encircle Paris and connect suburban economic hubs without requiring transit through the city center. These lines are complemented by the critical north-south extension of the existing Line 14, which serves as the network’s central spine. Operation across the new lines is fully automated to Grade of Automation 4 (GoA4) standards, utilizing a Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signaling system to enable high-frequency service with headways as short as two minutes. The rolling stock, primarily Alstom’s Metropolis series, is custom-designed for high-capacity, driverless operation, featuring energy-efficient traction systems and advanced passenger information systems. Construction is a major engineering feat, relying heavily on a fleet of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) to excavate the 200 km of tunnels, much of it through the complex geology of the Paris basin.

Key Takeaways

• Urban De-Centralization: The GPE’s orbital design is a strategic move to de-centralize Paris, fostering economic growth in suburban clusters by providing high-speed transit that bypasses the historically congested city core.
• Automation at Scale: As one of the largest greenfield automated metro projects globally, the GPE serves as a critical case study in the implementation of GoA4 driverless technology on a complex, multi-line network, setting benchmarks for operational efficiency and reliability.
• Sustainable Mobility Catalyst: The project is engineered to shift a significant volume of commuters from private vehicles to public transport, with a projected reduction of 14.2 million tonnes of CO2 emissions by 2050, profoundly impacting the region’s sustainability goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the Grand Paris Express be fully open?

The Grand Paris Express is opening in phases. The Line 14 extension to Orly Airport opened in 2024, and the southern section of Line 15 opened in 2025. Other sections of Lines 15, 16, and 17 are scheduled to open between 2026 and 2028, with the entire 200 km network expected to be fully operational by 2030.

Who is building the Grand Paris Express?

The Grand Paris Express is being built by Société du Grand Paris, a state-owned industrial and commercial company. Construction and equipment are managed through contracts with numerous international consortia, including major engineering and construction firms like VINCI, Bouygues, and Eiffage, with key technology and rolling stock supplied by companies such as Alstom, Thales, and Siemens.