Lima Metro Line 2 Delays Continue as Contract Addendum Stalls Completion Date
Lima, Peru – August 1, 2024 – The reopening of two lanes on Paseo Colón today marks a small victory for Lima commuters, but the overall completion date for the long-awaited Line 2 of the lima Metro remains uncertain due to ongoing delays in finalizing a crucial contract addendum. Despite significant progress – currently at 72% completion – the project’s timeline is clouded by a lack of agreement between the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) and the concessionaire, Metro de Lima Line 2.
Background: The Expansion of Lima’s Metro System
Lima’s Metro system is undergoing a major expansion aimed at alleviating traffic congestion and improving public transportation options for the city’s over 10 million residents. Line 2, a critical component of this expansion, is being built in two phases: the first phase, already operational, and the second phase extending from ATE to Plaza Bolognesi. A branch line, Line 4, is also under development, connecting to Line 2. The project is overseen by Ositrán, the transport infrastructure regulator, with oversight from the Comptroller General, Proinversion (Peru’s investment promotion agency), and the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
The Sticking Point: The Addendum & Realistic Timelines
According to sources within Ositrán, the primary obstacle to establishing firm completion dates is the absence of a signed addendum to the original concession contract. This addendum is necessary to update the project schedule and establish clear delivery deadlines for both phases of Line 2.
“Without that addendum, the deadlines are a bit in the air, of good intention,” explained José Aguilar, former Chief of the Urban Transport Authority (ATU), emphasizing the urgent need for a revised schedule. Aguilar noted that the MTC has already delivered all necessary areas for construction, including the San Marcos station, paving the way for the addendum’s signature. He suggested the ATU should prioritize a realistic schedule as a key negotiating point.
Ositrán officials state that a new schedule is vital for holding the concessionaire accountable. Currently, they lack the contractual basis to enforce specific partial delivery deadlines.The process of finalizing the addendum is complex, requiring review and approval from multiple government agencies.
Current Status & Projected Completion Dates
While the overall project is 72% complete, the second phase faces specific challenges. the central station is experiencing delays and is not expected to be finished until 2026. Work remaining in this section includes installing electrical systems, rail equipment, and completing the tunnel interiors. A significant point of contention remains the interconnection with Line 1 at the July 28 station, where discrepancies are delaying progress. Completion of this interconnection is now projected for 2028.
Construction on the branch of Line 4 in carmen de la Legua is scheduled to begin this month, offering a potential clearer timeline for the overall project. Currently, a conservative estimate places the completion of both Line 2 and the Line 4 branch at April 2029.however, Ositrán sources indicate this date could be optimized if current progress continues.
Today’s Reopening: A Limited Relief
The reopening of two lanes on Paseo Colón – one in each direction – provides limited relief to commuters, primarily benefiting the purple corridor bus service. This reopening is a direct result of progress on the central station of Line 2. However,it does not address the larger issue of the project’s overall completion date.
Key Takeaways:
Delayed Completion: The completion date for Lima Metro Line 2 remains uncertain due to a stalled contract addendum.
Contractual Obstacle: The lack of an updated concession contract prevents Ositrán from enforcing specific delivery deadlines.
Current Progress: The project is 72% complete, but the second phase and the Line 1 interconnection face delays.
Conservative Estimate: The current conservative completion estimate is April 2029, but this could be accelerated.
* Partial Relief: The reopening of two lanes on Paseo colón offers limited immediate benefits to commuters.