M4
San Babila station
Overview
StatusOperational
LocaleMilan, Italy
Connecting lines
Stations8 (21 when complete)
WebsiteOfficial website Edit this at Wikidata
Service
TypeRapid transit
SystemMilan Metro
Operator(s)Azienda Trasporti Milanesi
Rolling stockHitachi Rail Italy Driverless Metro
Daily ridership30,000 (July 2023)[1]
History
Opened26 November 2022 (first phase)
Last extension4 July 2023 (second phase)
Technical
Line length7.3 km (4.5 mi)[2] (15.2 km (9.4 mi) when complete)
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Electrification750 V DC third rail
Route map

Line 4 is an underground rapid transit line in Milan, Italy, part of the Milan Metro. The line color is blue. The first section opened on 26 November 2022[3] and as of 2023 it is 7.3 km long with 8 stations.[2] The full line is expected to open by 2024.[2] Once completed, the line will be 15 km (9.3 mi) long with 21 stations.[4]

The line features automatic driverless trains[5] and is designed for a capacity of 24–28,000 passengers per hour in each direction.[6] The expected annual ridership is 87 million.

Construction

The line was originally planned to be completed in 2015, as part of the works for the Milan Expo. However, delays in planning, financing[7] and construction works forced to postpone the opening, with the first section opening on 26 November 2022[3][8] and the rest of the line expected to open by 2023.[9] Once completed, the line will be 15 km (9.3 mi) long with 21 stations, compared to its current 8 operational stops. By October 2024, the remaining 13 stops will open.[citation needed]

The consortium ATM-Webuild is responsible for the construction works.[10][11]

Of the total estimated cost of about €1.7 billion, the Government of Italy will cover €786 million via a grant, the municipal government of Milan will cover €400 million, and €512 million will be funded by private investors.[10]

Route

Tunnel boring machines used in the project, 2014
Forlanini FS station under construction in 2016

The line is planned to connect the south-western neighborhood of Lorenteggio with Linate Airport on the east, passing through the city center. All stations are underground.

Station Name Transfer Opening
San Cristoforo FS October 2024
Segneri
Gelsomini
Frattini
Tolstoj
Bolivar
California
Coni Zugna
Sant'Ambrogio
De Amicis
Vetra
Santa Sofia
Sforza-Policlinico (Missori)
San Babila 4 July 2023
Tricolore
Dateo 26 November 2022[3]
Susa
Argonne
Stazione Forlanini
Repetti
Linate Aeroporto

Rolling stock

The line uses Hitachi Rail Italy Driverless Metro automatic driverless trains.[5] The line will be operated by 37 four-car EMUs manufactured by Hitachi Rail Italy at Reggio Calabria. Because of production problem caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, some were sent to Hitachi Newton Aycliffe in England for final fitting out.[12]

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Line M4 (Milan metro).

References

  1. ^ "Quanta gente usa la metro M4 e qual è la fermata preferita della blu". MilanoToday (in Italian). Retrieved 5 September 2023.
  2. ^ a b c "M4, apre la nuova tratta San Babila-Linate: oggi si viaggia gratis. Tutto quello che c'è da sapere". Il Giorno (in Italian). 3 July 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
  3. ^ a b c "Apre la nuova metro di Milano: c'è la data per l'inaugurazione della M4, la linea blu". MilanoToday (in Italian). 21 October 2022. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
  4. ^ "Linea 4". www.metropolitanamilanese.it. Metropolitana Milanese. Retrieved 22 July 2015.
  5. ^ a b "Metropolitana M4 approvata, realizzazione Linate – Lorenteggio al via". Cronaca Milano. 22 November 2010. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  6. ^ "Milano M4". Metropolitana Milanese. Retrieved 28 December 2011.
  7. ^ "Tabacci: a rischio il secondo lotto della M4". Corriere della Sera Milano. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  8. ^ "Metrò 4, aprono i cantieri". Corriere della Sera Milano. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  9. ^ "L'apertura della linea M4 a Milano slitta per ritrovamenti archeologici (e covid)". MilanoToday (in Italian). Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  10. ^ a b "M4, lavori assegnati a Impregilo e Atm". Corriere della Sera Milano. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  11. ^ "Tar: "Metrò 4, gare regolari". Via ai cantieri". Corriere della Sera. 21 January 2012. Retrieved 22 January 2012.
  12. ^ Milan Metro cars in Newton Aycliffe The Railway Magazine issue 1436 November 2020 page 9
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