Panama Metro: Preparations for Expansion of Line 1


News from Panama / Wednesday, October 21st, 2015

metro-panama-station

It has been announced that studies are being carried out for the design and construction of a new station in Villa Zaita, 2 kilometers ahead of the current line´s last stop, at an estimated cost of $181 million.

The new station that the government plans to develop will be located in Villa Zaita, and will become the final station of Line 1. This station will extend the line that starts at Albrook by 2.2 km.

Roberto Roy, Minister of Canal Affairs said in an article on Capital.com.pa that “… the cost of this project could be similar to the extension of Centro Comercial Los Andes at the entrance of San Isidro, which cost about $181.4 million, however, it is not clear if for this expansion to Villa Zaita they would have to create a new tender or if it could be arranged with Consorcio Línea 1, since the contract for the implementation of Metro Line 1 has already been legally finalised.”

Roy “… noted that at present the Panama Metro anticipates the purchase of 70 cars fully compatible with existing trains from Consorcio Línea 1 (comprised of the companies Odebrecht Infraestructura and FCC Construcciones) worth $157 million, through a contract including adjustments to the facilities and train yard, which will expand the trains from 3 to 5 wagons, increasing capacity from 600 to 1,000 passengers and increasing the fleet from 20 to 26 trains. “