Project Profile: Santiago Metro Expansion (Lines 7, 8, 9)

The Santiago Metro expansion is a strategic, multi-billion dollar infrastructure program designed to significantly increase network capacity and urban connectivity throughout Santiago, Chile. This project profile details the technical specifications and objectives of the new automated lines (7, 8, and 9), which will introduce over 70 km of modern rail infrastructure to accommodate the city’s future growth.

Technical Specifications

The expansion program employs advanced engineering tailored to Santiago’s urban landscape. Construction involves a combination of tunneling methods for underground sections, elevated viaducts, and at-grade track to navigate diverse geographical conditions. Line 7, a flagship component, will be fully underground, connecting Renca in the west with Vitacura in the east, establishing a vital new east-west corridor to alleviate congestion on Line 1.

Signalling and automation are central to the project’s design. The new lines will be equipped with Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) systems, such as the Alstom Urbalis system specified for Line 7. This technology enables driverless operation (GoA4), allowing for shorter headways between trains, increased network capacity, and enhanced operational safety. The track infrastructure is standardized, utilizing a concrete trackbed with 40kg/m guide rails to ensure durability and cost-effective maintenance.

Rolling stock for the new lines consists of modern, high-capacity automated trains. The Alstom Metropolis model, procured for Line 7, features five cars with a total capacity of approximately 1,250 passengers. These trains are equipped with air conditioning, advanced passenger information systems, and accessibility features, significantly upgrading the passenger experience from legacy fleet vehicles.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Decongestion and Connectivity: The new lines are engineered to relieve pressure on the existing core network, particularly Line 1, while connecting previously underserved, high-density communes like Renca, La Pintana, and Puente Alto to the city’s economic centers.
• Technological Leap Forward: The implementation of CBTC signalling and Grade of Automation 4 (GoA4) driverless trains positions the Santiago Metro as a technological leader in Latin American urban rail, maximizing operational efficiency and safety.
• Economic and Social Integration: By drastically reducing commute times—by up to 80% on some new corridors—the project serves as a catalyst for economic development and social equity, improving access to employment, education, and healthcare for millions of residents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will Santiago Metro Line 7 open?
Santiago Metro Line 7 is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2028. The 26-kilometer line will feature 19 stations, connecting the communes of Renca, Cerro Navia, and Vitacura, and is expected to reduce travel time between its endpoints by over 60%.

Who is building the new Santiago Metro lines?
The expansion is a collaborative effort involving Chile’s Metro S.A. and a consortium of leading international rail technology and construction firms. Key partners include Alstom, responsible for the rolling stock and Urbalis CBTC signalling on Line 7, as well as contributions from Systra, Thales, and CAF across various project engineering, systems integration, and supply contracts.