Madrid Metro is investing EUR 504 million to purchase a new fleet of 40 Metro trains. The narrow-gauge rolling stock will be entirely destined for Line 1 (Pilar de Chamartín-Valdecarros), the first line inaugurated by the metropolitan company in 1919. This acquisition is in addition to the production process already underway of another 40 trains, in this case wide-gauge, which will be used on Line 6 (Laguna-Lucero).
Madrid Metro has awarded two contracts for the design, manufacture, supply and certification of the new rolling stock. The new narrow-gauge trains will be entirely used on Line 1 and their incorporation will allow the retirement of the oldest models. The first units are expected to be in circulation during the first half of 2027.
CAF will manufacture the new units for L1 of the Madrid Metro and it is expected that the first additions will be in circulation during the first half of 2027. The rest will be integrated progressively. This contract, worth EUR 498.2 million, also includes maintenance, improved digitalisation of the new trains and a programme to optimise their life cycle, which entails advice and technical assistance for their maintenance for 10 years.
Another proposal, for the award of the contract to carry out the certification, inspection, monitoring and assistance in the supply of these infrastructures for L1 with an investment of EUR 6.3 million, has been put forward by Madrid Metro.
The consultancy will be carried out at all stages of the project, including tests of materials, equipment and systems, as well as checks on the entire train. In addition, among other tasks, it will act as an assessment body, independently certifying that the train and its component structures meet all the requirements demanded in the European railway sector.
The trains on L1 of the Madrid Metro will be semi-automatic, so they will have a driver’s cabin, unlike those running on L6. They will also be made up of six cars with interconnecting corridors, meeting the highest standards of accessibility, quality and comfort for passengers. Their features will allow for greater transport capacity, speed and efficiency in the operation of a line used by nearly 9 million passengers every month.
In parallel to this process, the oldest models of the 2000 CBTC series that circulate on L1 will be gradually withdrawn from circulation. Thanks to these acquisitions, Madrid Metro will have 80 new trains in the coming years, which will enable a more efficient redistribution of the current fleet of vehicles on the underground and will also allow for the future extension of Line 11 to Conde de Casal.
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