Metro Line 12 to Restart Operation in 2023: SOBSE

Mexico City’s Ministry of Public Works and Services (SOBSE) said that Metro Line 12 could restart operations in 2023. The possible restoration of the services would come two years after the disastrous collapse of the Line’s elevated section, which occurred on May 4, 2021.

SOBSE Head Jesús Esteva said that Line 12 would restart operation in 1Q23. Nonetheless, local media highlighted that the federal government had previously promised that the service would be restored by the end of 2022. 

Esteva said that the line would be opened in sections, similar to Line 1’s refurbishment program. During the first stage, the line would operate from the Atlalilco to the Mixcoac station and after that, the line would operate its elevated section. He added that this will be possible only once empty trains can cross the elevated section to the maintenance workshops in Tlahuac. “We know that [the line] will be open in sections, this means that we will open the tunnel to allow trains to go to the maintenance workshop in Tlahuac. We reviewed the matter with a consulting committee and with specialists,” Esteva added. 

Esteva stressed that the line’s reconstruction is difficult because of the specializations and quality control required. He added that the construction must be carried out by certified personnel. Therefore, SOBSE trains and certifies specialized welders, but still requires another 150 welders.

SOBSE reported that it completed the reinforcement of 152 columns of the elevated section, installing carbon fiber and concrete covering. Additionally, the ministry is simultaneously working on the bracing of 59 structures and constructing a further 92. According to Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum, the project consists of 280 concrete structures, each with different characteristics that require varying levels of reinforcement and planning. 

According to the Collective Transport System’s (STC) latest report, revamping and reinforcement works continue in the tunnel section of rail track 2 reported a 50 percent progress, and rail track 1 reported a 100 percent progress. 

According to SOBSE, there are over 12 companies hired by Grupo Carso working simultaneously on the project. “It is an extraordinarily complex process, but security goes above everything. The workers inspect 100 percent of the welding and in case it does not meet [the standards], it must be done over,” Esteva said.