Panama’s Metro Line 3 project reached a major milestone this week with the first test run of its new monorail train. The trial operation occurred on Monday, April 13, moving the train from the maintenance yard to the Ciudad del Futuro station area, marking critical progress for the country’s largest current infrastructure project.
This initial test is a key technical step toward launching a modern transportation system designed to connect western Panama with the capital city. Officials from Metro de Panamá stated the test demonstrates tangible advancement toward a high-capacity system that will fundamentally reshape regional mobility.
Project Progress and Technical Details
Carlos Cedeño, the project director for Metro de Panamá, provided specific updates on construction zones. He confirmed that final civil works, roofing infrastructure, and electromechanical tasks are underway between the Vista Alegre and Panama Pacifico stations. This work will enable upcoming testing on that segment.
“Starting with a partial operation could be very counterproductive, because there is no system that allows us to transfer the flow of people arriving at the Panama Pacifico station to the west side of the Canal,” Cedeño explained. [Translated from Spanish] He emphasized that teams are redoubling efforts to deliver the complete project as soon as possible.
Regarding the crucial tunnel beneath the Panama Canal, Cedeño noted that installation has begun on internal elements like evacuation systems, safety features, and running beams. The massive tunnel boring machine named “Panama” continues its journey from the Balboa shaft toward the Albrook station area.
Construction Phases and Timeline
Luis Carlos Díaz, Director of Operations and Maintenance, recently detailed the project’s phased progress. The first phase of work in the western area is now 85 percent complete, while the second phase has reached 57 percent completion. The sub-canal tunnel itself, a engineering feat already finished under the waterway, stands at 73 percent complete.
Díaz also confirmed ongoing work at the Ciudad del Futuro site, including earthmoving and safety adjustments for the future system operation. The official public opening for the entire Line 3 remains scheduled for 2028.
Once operational, the monorail line is projected to save commuters up to 1.4 months of travel time per year. The full journey from Albrook to Ciudad del Futuro will take approximately 37 minutes. The first phase will include 11 stations with a capacity for 30,000 passengers per hour per direction. The project currently provides about 3,500 direct jobs.