Recently, authorities unveiled the new automated train for Madrid’s Metro, and, at the same time, announced investments to modernize the network and a record number of passengers carried in the first half of this year.
Madrid is strengthening its metro network through a package of measures that combines new trains, increased ridership, and infrastructure investments. The unveiling of the first of the 48 driverless trains destined for Line 6, the record number of passengers in the first half of the year, and the allocations for track rehabilitation and maintenance mark a phase in which the network’s development is keeping pace with ever-increasing demand.
For Madrid, this combination of new rolling stock, modernized infrastructure, and high demand is essential to handle the increase in traffic and meet the city’s future mobility needs. A network that transports hundreds of thousands of passengers daily requires more efficient rolling stock, more reliable service intervals, and infrastructure capable of withstanding high levels of operation without compromising reliability.
These are the main priorities announced on July 13 by the President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, who emphasized the importance of the ongoing development of Madrid’s metro network.
The First New-Generation Train
The first automated train for the Madrid Metro, part of a series of 48 units, is the visible symbol of this modernization. The new trains will operate on the circular Line 6 starting in 2027 and are designed for a more efficient, flexible, and better-adapted operating model to handle the pressure of ever-increasing urban traffic. In addition to replacing older multiple units, the new trains are preparing the network for a phase in which automation and capacity will become key elements.
The new trains have six railcars, are over 109 meters long, and have a capacity of 1,385 passengers—17% more than current models. In addition to their innovative design—characterized by wide aisles and the elimination of the traditional driver’s cab—the new trains also stand out for their maximum speed, increased by 33% to 110 km/h, as well as their improved energy efficiency, with energy consumption reduced by 20%.
These figures are crucial because they explain why this investment is not a minor one, but one that can effectively change the way transportation operates on one of the network’s busiest lines. In a dense metropolitan system, every increase in capacity matters, and in the case of Line 6, this increase can alleviate pressure during peak hours and improve passenger flow in the long term.
The regional government will begin track testing of the new trains this summer, after allocating over EUR 531 million to increase transport capacity by up to 70% and reduce the interval between trains to just two minutes.
“This will once again place our metro among the most advanced underground transit systems in the world. This major investment will allow us to phase out older trains, while we continue to uphold the highest standards of service quality,” said Isabel Díaz Ayuso
In 2024, the Madrid Metro signed a framework agreement with CAF for the delivery of 48 six-car railcars. The initial contract included the delivery of 40 trains worth 400 EUR million for Lines 6 and 8, with an option for an additional 8 automated trains.
The first driverless train for the Madrid Metro has completed the manufacturing and industrial validation phases, including the initial dynamic tests conducted by the company. Next, an extensive program of tests under real-world operating conditions will begin at facilities belonging to the Madrid Metro, aimed at evaluating the system’s performance, confirming its integration with the existing infrastructure, and ensuring the proper functioning of the new signaling, communications, and control systems to be implemented on Line 6.
Demand Continues to Grow
The modernization of the train fleet comes amid very strong demand. In the first half of 2026, the Madrid Metro carried a record 389.6 million passengers, 3.6% more than in the same period last year.
This level of traffic shows that the system no longer functions merely as an alternative to surface transportation, but as essential infrastructure for urban and metropolitan life. Therefore, the increase in passenger numbers puts pressure not only on the trains, but also on the pace of maintenance, the availability of infrastructure, and the administration’s ability to anticipate future needs. Record ridership demands commensurate responses, and Madrid appears to have chosen precisely this path.
In this context, the new generation of trains is not only a sign of modernization but also a tool through which the network seeks to keep pace with demand. As passenger numbers rise, so too must service standards—whether in terms of capacity, frequency, comfort, or reliability.
Rehabilitation strengthens the network
Alongside the new trains, regional authorities have begun modernizing the platforms at the 28 stations on Line 6—an investment of EUR 8 million—aimed at preparing for the full automation of Madrid’s busiest metro line. With nearly 430,000 passengers transported daily, the Circular Line will become the network’s first fully automated high-capacity line. The work will take place over the next ten months and will be carried out exclusively at night so that train service is not disrupted and inconvenience to passengers is kept to a minimum.
In addition to the investment in trains, the Community of Madrid has also announced a program worth over EUR 13 million to renovate 163 km of track and strengthen train maintenance. This component is essential, because a metro system cannot operate at high standards solely through the acquisition of new rolling stock. Without well-maintained infrastructure, the advantages of modern trains are quickly diminished.
The Regional Ministry of Housing, Transportation, and Infrastructure will allocate over EUR 10 million for the purchase of 9,050 rail sections, each 18 meters long, equivalent to 162.9 km of track. These will replace sections affected by wear and tear caused by heavy rail traffic, helping to maintain the infrastructure in optimal safety and operational conditions.
Currently, the metro network comprises 294 km of double track, distributed across the 12 lines and the branch line between the Ópera and Príncipe Pío stations. In addition, there are nearly 19 km of single track used in connecting tunnels for technical maneuvers, as well as another 119 km of track located in depots and maintenance facilities.
Track rehabilitation and enhanced maintenance create the conditions necessary for the network’s stable operation and for handling increased traffic. These investments reduce the risk of breakdowns, limit service interruptions, and enable a more predictable service. For passengers, this translates to fewer disruptions and greater confidence in the metro as a daily mode of transportation.
An Integrated Strategy for Future Demands
Line 6 of the Madrid Metro, also known as the Circular Line, is the network’s busiest line, carrying approximately 430,000 passengers each day. Opened in 1979, the line is approximately 23.5 km long, has 28 stations, and forms a loop around the city center, connecting the main metro lines and rail stations; it is essential for travel between neighborhoods without passing through the capital’s city center.
Due to its strategic role in urban mobility, Line 6 is currently undergoing an extensive modernization process and is set to become the first high-capacity line in the metro network to be operated fully automatically. In addition to the purchase of automated trains and the retrofitting of metro stations, the project also includes the installation of automatic platform screen doors on all platforms—measures that will reduce the interval between trains to approximately two minutes and increase transport capacity.
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