Milan Metro Line 4 Explained

M4
Type:Rapid transit
System:Milan Metro
Status:Operational
Locale:Milan, Italy
Stations:8 (21 when complete)
Daily Ridership:40,000 (July 2023-February 2024)[1]
Open:26 November 2022 (first phase)
Lastextension:4 July 2023 (second phase)
Operator:Azienda Trasporti Milanesi
Stock:Hitachi Rail Italy Driverless Metro
Linelength:7.3km (04.5miles)[2] (15.2km (09.4miles) when complete)
Electrification:750 V DC third rail

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 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 15km (09miles) long with 21 stations.[3]

The line features automatic driverless trains[4] and is designed for a capacity of 24–28,000 passengers per hour in each direction.[5] 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[6] and construction works forced to postpone the opening, with the first section opening on 26 November 2022[7] [8] and the rest of the line expected to open by 2023.[9] Once completed, the line will be 15km (09miles) long with 21 stations, compared to its current 8 operational stops. By October 2024, the remaining 13 stops will open.

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

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.[11]

Route

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
October 2024
Segneri
Gelsomini
Frattini
Tolstoj
Bolivar
California
Coni Zugna
Sant'Ambrogio
De Amicis
Vetra
Santa Sofia
Sforza-Policlinico (Missori)
San Babila4 July 2023
Tricolore
26 November 2022

Rolling stock

The line uses Hitachi Rail Italy Driverless Metro automatic driverless trains.[4] The line will be operated by 37 four-car EMUs manufactured by Hitachi Rail Italy at Reggio Calabria. Because of production problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, some were sent to Hitachi Newton Aycliffe in England for final fitting out.[12]

See also

Notes and References

  1. News: Milan: from Monday extended hours on the M4 metro line . 25 April 2024 . Agenzia Nova . 14 February 2024 . en.
  2. News: M4, apre la nuova tratta San Babila-Linate: oggi si viaggia gratis. Tutto quello che c'è da sapere . 4 July 2023 . Il Giorno . 3 July 2023 . it.
  3. Web site: Linea 4. www.metropolitanamilanese.it. Metropolitana Milanese. 22 July 2015.
  4. Web site: Metropolitana M4 approvata, realizzazione Linate – Lorenteggio al via. 22 November 2010 . Cronaca Milano. 26 September 2011.
  5. Web site: Milano M4 . Metropolitana Milanese. 28 December 2011.
  6. Web site: Tabacci: a rischio il secondo lotto della M4. Corriere della Sera Milano. 26 September 2011.
  7. Web site: 21 October 2022 . Apre la nuova metro di Milano: c'è la data per l'inaugurazione della M4, la linea blu . 21 October 2022 . MilanoToday . it.
  8. Web site: Metrò 4, aprono i cantieri. Corriere della Sera Milano. 26 September 2011.
  9. Web site: L'apertura della linea M4 a Milano slitta per ritrovamenti archeologici (e covid). MilanoToday. it. 21 May 2021.
  10. News: Tar: "Metrò 4, gare regolari". Via ai cantieri. 22 January 2012. Corriere della Sera. 21 January 2012.
  11. Web site: M4, lavori assegnati a Impregilo e Atm. Corriere della Sera Milano. 26 September 2011.
  12. Milan Metro cars in Newton Aycliffe The Railway Magazine issue 1436 November 2020 page 9