Barcelona Metro expansion plans have hit a significant delay after transport authorities rejected the sole bid for 39 new trains.
Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) has declared the tender process void, discarding an offer from manufacturer Alstom.
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Consequently, the ambitious fleet renewal announced by Catalan president Salvador Illa during the metro’s centenary celebrations has cooled considerably.
Barcelona Metro Expansion Faces Procurement Setback
According to reports in El Nacional, TMB deemed Alstom’s proposal inadequate. The authority is now studying whether to relaunch the tender, a move that could add months of delay to the €331 million project. The planned Barcelona Metro expansion was crucial for boosting capacity across the network, particularly on the busy L1 and L5 lines.
Furthermore, 22 of the new trains were specifically intended for the future central section of the automated L9/L10 lines, scheduled to open in 2031. The remaining 17 trains were allocated to improve frequencies on conventional lines. TMB had aimed to award the contract by spring 2026, but this timeline is now uncertain.
The procurement setback comes despite growing passenger demand. Validations increased by 6.5% in 2024 compared to 2023, and by nearly 14% compared to 2019. On typical workdays, the network now handles around 1.6 million validations. This Barcelona Metro expansion was seen as essential to absorb this growth and improve passenger comfort.
Planned Service Improvements Now On Hold
The rejected tender promised substantial service upgrades. On the L1 line, peak frequency would have improved from 3 minutes 5 seconds to 2 minutes 38 seconds. Similarly, the L5 would have seen intervals reduced from 2 minutes 29 seconds to 2 minutes 15 seconds. These improvements are now postponed.
Moreover, the new trains were designed to be more accessible, sustainable, and energy-efficient. They featured lighter, eco-designed materials and advanced cybersecurity standards. The contract also included condition-based maintenance systems to reduce long-term costs. This Barcelona Metro expansion was not just about adding trains, but modernising the entire fleet.
The delay affects strategic planning across the network. For instance, four trains currently on Line 3 were scheduled to transfer to Line 5 once new units arrived. This reallocation, along with the overall capacity boost, is now on hold. The situation highlights the challenges of upgrading critical infrastructure, as detailed in our analysis of recent commuter rail improvements.
Transport authorities remain committed to the project’s core objectives. The goal is still to increase trains per line, improve peak-hour frequencies, and prepare for the full opening of the L9/L10 central trunk early next decade. However, the path forward requires a new procurement strategy.
This procurement issue occurs within a broader context of transport investment in Catalonia. Significant funds are being allocated to modernise services, as seen in the region’s success with the national housing plan, which also involves substantial public investment. The Barcelona Metro expansion remains a priority, but its timeline is now under review following this unexpected setback.
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