Santiago Metro Line 6 in Chile inaugurated

The Santiago Metro Line 6 in Chile, comprising a 15km network and ten stations, has been inaugurated by President Michelle Bachelet.

Seven of the stations are new and cross the districts of Cerrillos, Pedro Aguirre Cerda, San Miguel, San Joaquín, Ñuñoa, Santiago, and Providencia.

With the opening of the new line, commuting time from Los Leones station to Cerrillos station is set to be reduced from the existing 47 minutes to just 19 minutes, representing a 60% decrease.

Santiago Metro Line 6 is expected to benefit 1.1 million inhabitants.

The inauguration ceremony included a ride that started at Los Leones station with stops at Estadio Nacional, Lo Valledor, and Cerrillos stations along the new line.

Bachelet said: “This line will become a favourite mode of transportation for its users. You’ll soon see it with your own eyes: it’s comfortable, pleasant and has the latest technology.

“This is what is achieved with better connectivity, intended for the majority of the people.

"The opportunities offered by a city such as Santiago will be available to everyone, leading to positive changes in neighbourhoods, shopping areas and new urban hubs.”

Features of the line include new technology such as automatic piloting, air conditioning and information screens.

It will be more efficient, with steel wheels that consume less energy due to less rail friction and less weight.

"Commuting time from Los Leones station to Cerrillos station is set to be reduced from the existing 47 minutes to just 19 minutes, representing a 60% decrease."

Other features include LED lighting, power fed through an overhead catenary system, provision of evacuation doors in the first and last cars, and smoke detectors.

Each train is equipped with 52 security cameras and intercom systems for communication between passengers and the control centre.

The new Line 6 aims to protect the environment through energy efficiency and the reduction of air emissions.

In addition to the newly inaugurated line, Line 3 will add 22km and 18 stations to the network.