Sheinbaum Inaugurates Modernized Line 1 Stations in Mexico City

President Claudia Sheinbaum inaugurated the modernization of the Cuauhtemoc, Sevilla, Insurgentes, and Chapultepec stations on the newly renovated Line 1 of the Mexico City Metro. The full renovation will be completed by late August or early September.

“We are collaborating with Clara [Brugada], the Mayor of Mexico City, and Delfina [Gómez], the governor of the State of Mexico, on an Integrated Mobility Program for the Valley of Mexico. Here in the city, Clara and her team are overseeing the fourth Cablebus, which will connect Tlalpan with Metro CU… We will support the development of this Cablebus and the other Cablebuses that Clara has proposed,” says Sheinbaum.

Sheinbaum adds that the New Line 1 of the Metro would enter its testing phase from the Chapultepec station to the Observatorio station by the end of August or early September. She says that the Metro modernization was part of a broader Integrated Mobility Program for the Metropolitan Area of the Valley of Mexico, which includes the construction of a fourth Cablebus line connecting Tlalpan with the Ciudad Universitaria station of Line 3 of the Metro.

Additionally, the planned expansion of the “El Insurgente” Train, which operates between Toluca and Santa Fe and will eventually reach Observatorio. In addition, plans for the expansion of Lines 12 and 9 of the Metro, as well as leveling works on Line A, are underway.

She announces that further projects with the State of Mexico government are underway, including new Cablebuses and the expansion of the Elevated Train, which started in Iztapalapa and aims to connect with Chalco.

The renovation work included renewing tunnels, replacing all tracks, and upgrading electrical, electronic, and hydraulic systems, as well as installing a new signaling system, telecommunications, and fare collection technology. Over 3,000 video cameras were installed, the number of trains increased, and accessibility for all users was ensured across the stations.

Governor Brugada says that the modernization of Line 1 is only part of an ongoing effort that includes investments in escalators and elevators, the installation of over 16,000 surveillance cameras, and the continued expansion of the Metro, including the extension of Line 12 to Observatorio and maintenance work on Line A. New Metrobús and Cablebus lines will also open this year in Tlahuac-Milpa Alta, Tlalpan-Universidad, and Magdalena Contreras-Alvaro Obregon.

Guillermo Calderón, General Director, Metro Collective Transportation System (STC), says that the renovation of this stretch of the New Line 1 Metro spans 4km, covering the stations from Balderas to Chapultepec, and includes the complete remodeling of Cuauhtemoc, Insurgentes, Sevilla, and Chapultepec stations.

With this complete modernization, 17 out of the 20 stations on Line 1 are now operational, representing 85% of the service coverage and enabling the transport of around 500,000 daily users. Calderón highlights that 29 new trains have been added, which will consume 35% less energy. The travel time from Pantitlan to Chapultepec will be reduced to 40 minutes, a 40% improvement, he adds.

As part of these works, the Metro received the International Railway Certification Independent Safety Assessment (ISA) from Swiss certifier SGS, which ensures the safe operation of the automated pilot system. “Not many metros have this certification,” says Calderón.

Sheinbaum and Brugada underscore that these works are part of a larger effort to transform Mexico City’s transportation infrastructure into one of the most efficient and environmentally conscious systems globally. The renovation of Line 1 involves a comprehensive overhaul, including the replacement of 240,000m of track and installation of 336km of new cables. The upgrades also include four new power substations and a new backup power system.

The stations are fully accessible for people with disabilities or visual impairments, with 41 new elevators, modernized fare machines, and 500 turnstiles that can read both the Mobility Integrated Card and bank cards. Over 1,000 new security cameras have been installed, and the system includes a comprehensive train control and monitoring system.

A critical component of the renewal also involved 40km of drainage system upgrades, rehabilitation of eight pumping stations, and the installation of 70 turbojets for improved ventilation. The Metro now features two advanced fiber optic telecommunications networks, enhancing system connectivity.