The Community of Madrid has officially approved the informative study for the northern section of Metro Line 11, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of the metro network. This ambitious project aims to create a new route stretching from Mar de Cristal<\/strong> to Valdebebas Norte<\/strong>, featuring six strategically located stations. Key stops will include the Ifema<\/strong> fairgrounds, the Isabel Zendal Nursing Hospital<\/strong>, and Terminal 4<\/strong> at the Adolfo Su\u00e1rez Madrid-Barajas Airport<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Metro Line 11 is the least utilized line within the entire Madrid Metro system. The administration has recognized its potential and is now investing in its expansion to better serve areas with high demand for public transportation. The goal is to transform this line into a major artery that crosses Madrid from southwest to northeast, thereby improving access to essential locales and infrastructures like the airport.<\/p>\n Recent reports from Europa Press<\/strong> indicate that the initial budget for the base tender for this project is approximately 599.3 million euros<\/strong>, excluding VAT. With a favorable environmental impact report already in place, construction is set to commence in 2027<\/strong> and is expected to span roughly three years and three months. The new section will encompass an 8.2-kilometer<\/strong> tunnel and connecting branches to Line 8<\/strong> at Mar de Cristal<\/strong>, enhanced by future connections to the Barajas depots.<\/p>\n The approved route will feature six key stations:<\/p>\n The design allows for the potential addition of two more stations: one in the Cristalia<\/strong> area and another in Valdebebas<\/strong>. This flexibility is intentional, enabling the metro to adapt as these neighborhoods continue to grow and develop urban infrastructures.<\/p>\n Most of the tunnel construction will utilize a tunnel boring machine<\/strong>, dividing operations into two segments. One section will dig from an attack well on Fernando Higueras Street<\/strong> to Mar de Cristal, while another will start from Secundino Zuazo Avenue<\/strong>. In some urban areas, manual methods like pick and shovel will be employed to minimize disruption and noise pollution.<\/p>\n As work on the northern section gets underway, the central section between Plaza El\u00edptica<\/strong> and Conde de Casal<\/strong> has already surpassed 50% execution<\/strong> with five stations planned and an investment close to 500 million euros<\/strong>. Conversely, the section between Conde de Casal and Hortaleza<\/strong>, which will feature 14 stations<\/strong>, remains stalled pending resolution of its subsections.<\/p>\n While this project aims to enhance transportation in Madrid, debates over station distribution have emerged. Valdebebas<\/strong>, with a population of around 30,000<\/strong>, will receive multiple stops, while areas like Las \u00c1guilas<\/strong>, home to 50,000<\/strong>, have been excluded from the southern route. This disparity has sparked protests regarding equitable access to public transport.<\/p>\n With the final approval of the informative study granted, the next phase will involve bidding for construction in the coming months. If timelines align, work should kick off in 2027<\/strong>, potentially leading to operational connections by 2030<\/strong>.<\/p>\nWhy is This Expansion Important?<\/h3>\n
Understanding the Project Figures<\/h3>\n
Stations Along the New Route<\/h3>\n
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Future Expansion Possibilities<\/h3>\n
How Will the Excavation Be Conducted?<\/h3>\n
Current Status of Other Sections<\/h3>\n
Addressing Neighborhood Inequality<\/h3>\n
What Happens Next?<\/h3>\n