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.<\/p>\n
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 Panam\u00e1 stated the test demonstrates tangible advancement toward a high-capacity system that will fundamentally reshape regional mobility.<\/p>\n
Carlos Cede\u00f1o, the project director for Metro de Panam\u00e1, 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.<\/p>\n
\n“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,” Cede\u00f1o explained. [Translated from Spanish] He emphasized that teams are redoubling efforts to deliver the complete project as soon as possible.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Regarding the crucial tunnel beneath the Panama Canal<\/a>, Cede\u00f1o noted that installation has begun on internal elements like evacuation systems, safety features, and running beams. The massive tunnel boring machine<\/a> named “Panama” continues its journey from the Balboa shaft toward the Albrook station area.<\/p>\n
Construction Phases and Timeline<\/h2>\n
Luis Carlos D\u00edaz, 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.<\/p>\n
D\u00edaz 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.<\/p>\n