Lima jumps on the sustainability train with new metro

Lima, one of the 50 most populous cities in the world, is home to over ten million people. The city faces increasingly severe mobility issues, partly due to a 25% increase in vehicle traffic annually. Moreover, the absence of a comprehensive transportation plan in the capital city of Peru has aggravated this issue, leaving the región without a sustainable solution.

By enhancing the quality of life of citizens and driving economic progress in the country, the Lima and Callao Metro Project stands as a significant global infrastructure initiative that aims to address urban challenges. The first section opened in 2011, and Ayesa is currently constructing the additional three new sections.

Currently, line 1 of the Lima and Callo Metro is in operation. This scheme covers a 35 km distance on an elevated viaduct from south to northeast, interspersed with 26 stations.

Work is currently underway on line 2, which will cover a distance of 27 km from east to west. Additionally, an 8 km branch line between Av. Faucett and Av Gambeta, which forms part of the future line 4, is being constructed to provide access to Jorge Chávez International Airport.

Ayesa is currently working with the Metro 2 Lima Construction Consortium overseeing the drafting for Line 2. Ayesa’s responsibilities include overseeing the construction of 22 kilometers of the line, which is currently underway. The total length of the line will be 27 kilometers and will include 27 stations.

This collaborative effort began during the concession bidding process for the new line, with Ayesa contributing its technical expertise and vast experience in metro design.

In September 2019, Ayesa was also entrusted with completing the design work for the 8 km branch line of the future Line 4. Currently, the firm is actively executing the engineering services contract for the branch line’s 8 stations, intermediate shafts, line tunnel, and Bocanegra workshop yard.

Ayesa’s designs for the Lima 2 and 4 Metro lines have delivered impressive results by efficiently meeting the technical requirements of the concession contract while also optimizing construction solutions to address the economic and time constraints of the client. The benefits of such designs extend far beyond the immediate project, as trains and metros provide a sustainable mode of transportation that significantly reduces pollution levels. Compared to cars and aeroplanes, metros offer a pollution rate that is 10 to 15 times lower and 25 to 50 times lower, respectively. Moreover, metros provide a comfortable and speedy means of transportation, which leads to increased productivity and adds value to the city and its citizens. By reducing commuting time, metros improve residents’ quality of life and positively impact the environment, reducing external costs related to pollution, road safety, acoustic impact, biodiversity, and landscape.

The positive impact of the Lima 2 and 4 Metro lines is evident in their expected benefits. For instance, Line 2 is projected to benefit around 660,000 people daily and is the first fully automatic GoA4 subway in Peru. Reducing travel times between Ate and Callao from two and a half hours to just 45 minutes will significantly improve the region’s connectivity and enhance the residents’ quality of life. These designs’ benefits are immediate and long-lasting, paving the way for a more sustainable future for Lima and beyond.