The work for Lisbon Metro, Metropolitano de Lisboa has been delayed by 18 to 30 months. The main reason behind this delay is over budgeting of 550 million Euros.
Lisbon Metro Delayed Due To Overbudget
The Secretary of State for Mobility, Cristina Pinto Dias has announced that the Lisbon Metro has been delayed due to overbudgeting. She gave a briefing at the Economy, Public Works, and Housing Committee for the Assembly of the Republic. PS inquired about the delay with the Lisbon metro to which Cristina responded with the reasons for the delay.
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Cristina informed us that there is no good news in this regard. She has already given an update on this matter to the ministers. She further added that there is nothing anyone can do about it. Dias said that there would be no ‘political use of the dossiers. She has clearly stated to everyone:
All the projects we receive in this transition portfolio are to be executed […] and we do not intend to play politics with the matter. However, on the date of this Government’s inauguration, delays in the works are a challenge to complying with the community financing calendar. This is the reality.
Delays In Lisbon Metro Project
There are several delays in the construction of the Metropolitano de Lisboa. These delays can only be catered to by extending the deadline for the completion of the project. The main issue is the implementation of a deadline for the three lines of the Lisbon Metro. These three lines, which will be Red, Violet, and Green/Yellow have caused a delay of about 18 to 30 months. The deviation from the budget is nearly around 500 million Euros. This is also a risk of losing community funding from various sources.
The red line of Lisbon Metro is being expanded which will cover the 4 kilometers length of rail after completion. This renovation work will be completed by the end of the year 2026 as mentioned in the contract. It also includes 4 new stations which are as follows:
- Campo de Ourique
- Campolide/ Amoreiras
- Alcântara
- Infante Santo
The Alcântara station is planned to be connected with a Sustainable Intermodal Line in the future. This will benefit the municipality of Oeiras by promoting it. The Minister of Infrastructure told the Parliament in July that the Lisbon metro might not reach the deadline for the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). However, priority will be given to the expansion of the red line.
Lisbon Metro Should Meet Deadline For PRR Plan
Secretary of the State for Planning and Regional Development, Hélder Reis said in August that the Government would have to evaluate the project and the risks that are associated with it. Their main aim is not to lose the PRR funds. This can only be achieved if all the deadlines for the project are met on time.
PRR is looking closely at the financing of this project which is currently valued at 400 million Euros. This 400 million Euros budget is announced for the expansion of the red line from São Sebastião to Alcântara. Another 250 million euros is allocated for the new Violet Line connecting Hospital Beatriz Ângelo for Odivelas to Loures. The total budget allocated by the PRR plan is 650 million euros for this project.
A circular line is expected to be operational after half a year in 2025. This will connect the Rato station with Cais do Sodré. This is an extension of 2 kilometers for the rail network. The two new stations that will also be built, are Santos and Estrela. The Government has also planned to remodel the existing station built in Cais do Sodré.
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