# Madrid Metro infrastructure and automation upgrades

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/madrid-metro-infrastructure-and-automation-upgrades
> Updated: 2026-09-05T02:06:17.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 3.

The Madrid Metro is undergoing significant infrastructure and technological upgrades across multiple lines.

On Line 6, the Community of Madrid has initiated nocturnal testing of new automated trains. This project, supported by an investment of over 531 million euros for 48 convoys, aims to make Line 6 the network’s first fully automated line by 2027. The new six-car trains, measuring over 109 meters, offer a 17% increase in passenger capacity, a 33% increase in top speed to 110 km/h, and a 20% reduction in energy consumption. While initial trials are operated by a driver, the system will eventually function in fully automatic mode. Due to ongoing station works, service was scheduled for suspension on the southern arc of Line 6 between Sainz de Baranda and Laguna during the weekend of August 22-23.

Simultaneously, expansion work is progressing on Line 11. The tunnel boring machine, Mayrit, has completed a key underground connection between Comillas and the future Palos de la Frontera station. Over 147 days, the 1,500-ton machine traveled 2,732 meters through the Madrid Río area, installing 1,606 concrete rings and extracting approximately 188,571 cubic meters of earth. This milestone marks the completion of approximately 60% of the total planned length for the extension, which utilizes Earth Pressure Balance technology to maintain ground pressure. The project continues to work toward establishing Line 11 as a major diagonal axis for the region’s mobility network.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-05: Madrid Metro Line 11: Mayrit tunnel boring machine completes key section

The Mayrit tunnel boring machine has completed a 2,732-meter section for the Madrid Metro Line 11 extension, connecting Comillas to Palos de la Frontera.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/madrid-metro-line-11-mayrit-tunnel-boring-machine-completes-key-section

### 2026-08-22: Madrid Metro Line 11 expansion: Mayrit machine exceeds 2.5km of tunneling

The Mayrit tunnel boring machine has surpassed 2,500 meters of excavation for Madrid's Metro Line 11 expansion, heading toward a major milestone at the future Palos de la Frontera station.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/madrid-metro-line-11-expansion-mayrit-machine-exceeds-25km-of-tunneling

### 2026-08-16: Madrid Metro begins testing automated trains for Line 6

Madrid has started testing new automated trains for Metro Line 6. The 531 million euro fleet promises higher speeds, increased capacity, and improved energy efficiency for the network by 2027.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/madrid-metro-begins-testing-automated-trains-for-line-6

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Cite as: Madrid Metro infrastructure and automation upgrades. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/madrid-metro-infrastructure-and-automation-upgrades