The Metro Line 3 in Mexico City, which has been operating for many years, carries the second-largest passenger flow in the city throughout the year. The outdated vehicles and track equipment have long been overwhelmed by the heavy traffic, and the train collision accident that occurred many years ago also exposed the safety shortcomings of the line. The local government has officially launched a call for investors to modernize this line, adopting a joint investment model to update the facilities along the entire line. The modernization plan is incorporated into the city's long-term subway development master plan. Several departments have signed a collaboration agreement in advance to clear institutional barriers, and a complete evaluation standard will be released within 30 working days. The project's modernization approach is benchmarked against the previously completed Metro Line 1 upgrade project. The Chinese rail transit enterprises that won the Line 1 project now have a new opportunity to replicate this mature model.  

Current status and renovation content of the line

Line 3, which was put into operation in 1970, spans a total length of 23.6 kilometers and features 21 stations. By 2025, its passenger volume had surpassed 173 million. The latest trains operating on the line were produced in 1992, and have been in service for 34 years. All the rail electromechanical vehicles require renovation. The renovation encompasses track construction, electromechanical vehicles, and long-term operation and maintenance. Officials will select cooperation partners from multiple perspectives, including technology, finance, and law. Currently, the total investment and commencement date have not been publicly disclosed. Upon completion of the renovation, the safety and efficiency of the line will be significantly improved.

The mature model can be replicated

The renovation of Metro Line 1, won by CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive and Rolling Stock Co., Ltd. in collaboration with local enterprises, is the first overseas system plus general contracting project in China, encompassing the full upgrade of investment and financing vehicle manufacturing as well as 19-year maintenance. It has been recognized as a classic PPP case by the United Nations. The renovation of Line 3 follows a similar joint investment framework. Keywords:Mexico City Metro Renovation、CRRC Overseas Rail Transit

Chinese enterprises can leverage the full-chain experience accumulated from the Line 1 project to participate in bidding, deliver a comprehensive long-term operation and maintenance integrated solution for rail transit renovation, and deeply explore the Latin American rail transit renovation market.Editor/Min Jing