Functional testing has begun on the extension of Line 3 of the Santiago Metro in Chile, following two years of construction

After two years of construction, the extension of Line 3 of the Santiago Metro has undergone successful functional testing using trains, bringing it closer to its anticipated public opening towards the end of this year. With an additional length of 3.6 kilometers, the line now covers nearly 26 kilometers

Ayesa, a global provider of technology and engineering services, has been entrusted with supervising the installation, testing, and commissioning of systems and equipment for the extension of Line 3 of the Santiago Metro, located in the capital city of Chile.

The new 3.6-kilometre underground section is estimated to benefit over 200,000 Chileans and cost 378.5 million dollars (352 million euros). The line will be fully automated, equipped with a CBTC system and driverless trains.

Additionally, three new stations have been added, reducing the travel time between Quilicura and Plaza de Armas to just 15 minutes, a 67% reduction compared to the current journey time.

As part of the contract, Ayesa is responsible for inspecting various systems, such as the CBTC, electrical, communications, centralised command systems, platform doors, ticket gates, self-service ticket machines, escalators, lifts, tracks, overhead lines, forced ventilation system, and other related equipment. The extension of Line 3, as well as that of Line 2, are both underground and have been excavated using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM).

In addition to this project, Ayesa has also secured an 11-million-euro contract to provide technical inspection services for Line 7 of the Santiago Metro.