The Madrid Region is investing EUR 8 million to adapt the platforms at the 28 stations of Line 6 of the Madrid Metro, also known as the Circular Line, as part of a project that will make it the first driverless line in the Spanish capital’s metro network by 2027.
The contract was recently awarded, and the work will have a completion deadline of ten months. The work is part of the comprehensive modernization of Line 6, the busiest line in the Madrid Metro network, with approximately 430,000 passengers per day.
The project aims to prepare the infrastructure for the line’s full automation, including the installation of automatic platform doors, the introduction of new driverless trains, and the modernization of signaling systems.
Platforms will be adapted for automatic doors
The work involves adjusting the platform heights at all Line 6 stations so that automatic doors can be installed. According to regional authorities, the project will eliminate the current gap between the train and the platform, which should increase passenger safety and improve accessibility.
The platform flooring will also be replaced to improve the appearance of the stations and to introduce more efficient materials with lower maintenance requirements.
In addition, stainless steel and tempered glass panels will be installed at the ends of the platforms. These will complement the enclosure system in the area where automatic doors will be installed and will allow, where necessary, for the creation of technical spaces for installations.
Measures for Accessibility and Safety
The modernization also includes work aimed at improving access for all passengers, particularly for people with disabilities.
Among the planned measures are the installation of tactile paving to guide people with visual impairments, sound systems adapted for users with hearing difficulties, non-slip surfaces to prevent falls, double handrails on stairs, and Braille signage.
These adaptations will be implemented at several stations on Line 6 that already have elevators but do not yet have all these accessibility features. These are Ciudad Universitaria, Guzmán el Bueno, Laguna, and Lucero.
The contract also includes work on fire safety systems, by adapting the so-called dry risers to the new infrastructure. These are pipes used by firefighters to quickly transport water to the site of a fire, facilitating emergency response.
Work Without Service Interruption
Authorities specify that the work will be carried out without interrupting service on the line.
To achieve this, Line 6 will close early at 11:00 PM, Sunday through Thursday.
Carrying out the work under these conditions will require a high level of technical and logistical coordination, given that the work is taking place in operational stations on Madrid’s busiest metro line.
Over 1 billion euros for the modernization of Line 6
The adaptation of the platforms is just one component of the Line 6 modernization program. The Madrid regional government is investing over 1 billion euros in the transformation of Line 6.
The largest portion of the sum, over EUR 531 million, is earmarked for the purchase of new automated trains that will run on Line 6 starting in 2027. In total, Metro de Madrid will receive 48 new trains, which are already in production. These will be more spacious and have a higher capacity than the current trains.
Other major investments include nearly EUR 231 million for the complete renovation of the infrastructure, over EUR 112 million for the installation of platform doors, and EUR 85 million for signaling works.
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