Madrid Metro: EUR 123M Tender for Line 11 Accessibility & Operational Equipment

Madrid authorities have greenlit a substantial EUR 123.1 million tender for essential accessibility and operational equipment in the new stations along Line 11. This significant investment underscores the strategic importance of the Line 11 extension, a 6.7 km segment connecting Plaza Elíptica to Conde de Casal, aimed at creating a vital cross-city transport axis.

The contract, valued at EUR 123.1 million, is a critical component of the new stations’ development on the burgeoning Line 11. The procurement focuses on installing lifts, escalators, and other vital equipment necessary for both the seamless operation of these future hubs and to guarantee full accessibility in accordance with stringent Madrid Metro standards. This initiative represents a pivotal step in enhancing the capital’s public transportation infrastructure.

Strategic Impact of Line 11 Extension

The extension of Line 11 is positioned as a transformative project for Madrid’s urban mobility. Upon completion, the new 6.7 km section will establish a crucial east-west transit corridor across the city. This strategic axis will enable passengers to travel rapidly between the southern and eastern districts, bypassing the often congested city center. The project aims to alleviate pressure on existing lines and improve connectivity for a significant portion of the metropolitan area.

Progress on the Line 11 extension is currently at 35% completion, with two of the entirely new stations already exceeding 60% completion. The overall project encompasses five stations: two are being constructed from the ground up, while the remaining three will function as key interchange points. The estimated completion date for the entire extension works is slated for 2027, with the project having commenced in November 2022.

Advanced Tunneling Technology Deployed

A cornerstone of the tunneling operations is the deployment of “Mayrit,” a new-generation Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). This state-of-the-art equipment is poised to commence excavation at an impressive rate of approximately 15 meters per day. The TBM has arrived in Madrid and is currently undergoing assembly, a process anticipated to take up to three months. The efficient deployment of such advanced machinery is crucial for maintaining project timelines and managing the complex subterranean construction.

Industry Context

The significant investment in Madrid’s Line 11 extension highlights a global trend in metropolitan rail development: a dual focus on expanding network capacity and prioritizing passenger accessibility. For railway operators and infrastructure developers, projects of this scale offer insights into best practices for integrating advanced tunneling technologies and ensuring universal access in new builds. Such undertakings are vital for maintaining competitiveness, attracting ridership, and meeting the evolving demands of urban populations. The successful delivery of this project could set new benchmarks for large-scale urban rail expansion initiatives worldwide.