THE cabinet of the Madrid regional government has authorised the purchase of 80 metro trains at an estimated cost of €1.094bn. The new trains will be introduced on lines 1, 6, 8 and 11.
In order to fund the acquisition, the regional government has approved an increase Madrid Metro’s long-term debt up to €1.378bn. This has received the consent of the Directorate General for Financial Policy and Treasury of the Madrid regional government’s Ministry of Economy, Finance and Employment, and from the Budget and Finance Committee of Madrid Assembly.
The new trains are needed to provide additional rolling stock for the planned extensions of lines 3, 5 and 11, and the need to replace life-expired trains.
Some of the new trains will also be required for the planned 3km automated metro line to be built as part of the Madrid Nuevo Norte redevelopment project. The new line will run from Chamartín-Clara Campoamor station via Fuencarral Sur to Fuencarral Norte. The new line is expected to open in 2029.
Madrid Nuevo Norte will see 20ha on a 5.5km-long site currently occupied by railway tracks running north from Chamartín station covered over to create a new central business district and 10,500 housing units.
The redevelopment is being promoted as a “100% sustainable city,” where 80% of journeys will be made on foot, by bike, or using public transport.
The new Madrid Metro fleet will comprise 40 small-profile trains that will run on Line 1, and another 40 large-profile trains for operation on the newer lines 6, 8 and 11.
The trains will consist of six cars comprising four motor cars and two driving trailers with connecting gangways between them.
Madrid Metro says the new trains will be more energy-efficient than their predecessors and will offer greater capacity.
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