A significant advance for Madrid's transport
The city of Madrid is on the brink of a transformation in its public transport network with the imminent start of works for the extension of metro line 11. The tunnelling machine Mayrit, a state-of-the-art machine, will begin its work from the Comillas station, marking a milestone in the modernisation of the capital's railway system.
Manufactured in Germany and transported to Madrid after a complex logistical process, Mayrit has impressive dimensions: 98 metres long, 9 metres wide and a total weight of 1,500 tonnes. Its entry into operation is scheduled for the end of March, after successfully completing several technical and hydraulic tests that ensure its optimal performance.
The project involves excavation that will extend 5,227 metres, from Comillas to beyond Conde de Casal. This new stretch will significantly improve construction times; while the traditional method used until now could excavate approximately 50 metres per month, Mayrit is expected to reach up to 15 metres daily, equivalent to about 450 metres monthly.
As it progresses towards the Madrid Río station, where it is expected to arrive this summer, Mayrit will have scheduled technical stops to check its key components. The machine features a cutting wheel equipped with 54 discs and other elements designed to optimise its performance during excavations.
Despite the optimism regarding the established timelines, engineers are aware that unforeseen issues may arise during the process. However, thanks to an innovative system located at the front of Mayrit, it will be possible to stop it quickly if repairs or adjustments are necessary.
With this extension, it is expected not only to improve connectivity between different districts but also to reduce travel times for thousands of daily users. The General Director of Infrastructure has estimated that the total time required to complete this phase of the project will range between 13 and 14 months, representing a significant advance towards a more efficient and modern system.
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