The construction of the US$2.8 billion line 3 monorail project by the Panama Metro Corporation has begun. Prior to that, the groundbreaking ceremony was held on February 22. President Laurentino Cortizo Cohen and Panama Metro Corporation General Manager Héctor Ortega attended the ceremony.

The construction of the 24.5km project is expected to take about four years. Earlier this month, Panama’s Auditor General Gerardo Solís approved the contract and financing for the project.

According to the US$2.06 billion design, construction and financing contract signed in February 2020, the construction work will be carried out by the HPH consortium (consisting of Hyundai Engineering Construction and Posco E&C).

The first phase will be from Albrook to Ciudad del Futuro, carrying approximately 160,000 passengers. The route reduces the average travel time during peak hours from 1 hour and 30 minutes to 45 minutes, and will have 14 stations. The second phase of the 34km La Chorrera project is also planned.

This line will be mainly elevated and there will be 14 stations

The line is mainly an overhead line, but it also includes a tunnel of approximately 5.3 kilometers with a maximum depth of approximately 64m.

Opened in 2025

The line will be opened in 2025. At that time, 28 six-car trains will be used for operation. These trains are equipped with regenerative braking systems. The consortium consisting of Hitachi, Hitachi Rail STS and Mitsubishi will be awarded in October 2020. Provided by a contract of US$883 million. The contract also includes the provision of electrification, signaling, communication and control systems for the line. To

These trains will be provided by a consortium consisting of Hitachi, Hitachi Rail STS and Mitsubishi

The project is expected to strengthen the economy of the Öster Province of Panama, create more than 5,000 direct and indirect jobs, and benefit more than 500,000 people in the region.

Ortega said: “Improving travel in Panama City is one of the main commitments of the Panama Metro. Even in the current health crisis and its economic consequences, we will continue to contribute to the country’s economic growth by launching Line 3. Contribute."

Editor/Huang Lijun