Panama City, Panama – The Panama Metro is preparing to begin static testing with the new monorail trains for its highly anticipated Line 3, following the arrival of all 26 trainsets. Carlos Cedeño, Director of Projects for the Panama Metro, announced the project’s progress during a recent Cabinet Council session, revealing the elevated section is now 81% complete.
The initial phase of Line 3, an elevated monorail stretching from Panamá Pacífico to Ciudad del Futuro, is nearing a critical milestone. The project, which currently employs approximately 3,900 direct workers, represents a major infrastructure investment for the communities of West Panama. The upcoming static tests are a crucial step before dynamic testing and eventual public operation.
Significant Progress on Elevated and Underground Sections
During his presentation, Carlos Cedeño provided a detailed breakdown of the construction progress. While the elevated section is 81% complete, the project’s second phase, which involves the underground segment, has reached 42% completion. The tunneling work for this section is progressing even faster, with a 53% completion rate.
“The integration work between both metro lines is advancing. We recently inaugurated a pedestrian bridge that connects the existing connection for adjustments, to continue construction as a unified station that will integrate them just steps from each other,” Cedeño stated. [Translated from Spanish]
This integration is a key focus, aiming to create a seamless travel experience for passengers transferring between the established Line 1 and the new Line 3.
Tunnel Boring Machine Maintenance and Future Path
A significant recent achievement for the project was the successful crossing under the Panama Canal. Cedeño reported that the tunnel boring machine is currently advancing in the area of the Balboa port. In the near future, work will be temporarily halted to perform essential maintenance on the massive machine.
Following this maintenance, tunneling will resume with the goal of reaching the area of the Albrook station, where it will connect with Line 1. The monorail system’s tunnel comprises two main sections: a 3-kilometer stretch under the Panama Canal and an additional 1.5-kilometer segment to reach the vicinity of the Line 1 station.
Enhanced Connectivity for Commuters
The primary benefit of the new line will be drastically improved connectivity for hundreds of thousands of daily commuters. The Panama Metro prepares for a significant increase in ridership, with the new trains expected to transport up to 500,000 users.
“Lines 1 and 3 will allow a friendly and effective connection for all users. For example, during the morning rush hour into the city, they will be able to board a train in both directions just a few steps away,” Cedeño explained. [Translated from Spanish]
The ongoing work to unify the Albrook station complex is central to achieving this seamless transfer. The project underscores the government’s continued investment in public transportation infrastructure to address urban mobility challenges. For official updates and project details, refer to the Panama Metro website.