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Visit of the Ambassador of Japan to the construction site of the new M6 Metro Line

On 22 August, His Excellency Takashi Katae, Ambassador of Japan to Romania, paid a working visit to the main construction site of the new M6 Metro Line and the future “Tokyo” metro station. This visit underscores the commitment of both parties to the success of the “M6 Metro Line: 1 Mai – Otopeni” project.

During his visit, the Ambassador met with Metrorex General Director Mariana Miclăuș, representatives from the Metrorex Technical and Investment Department, and the Project Supervisor: PADECO CO. LTD, ORIENTAL CONSULTANTS GLOBAL LTD, and METROUL S.A. Representatives from the contractors responsible for the two project sections were also present: ALSIM ALARKO – MAKYOL (Lot 1.1: South Section, 1 Mai – Tokyo) and GULERMAK – SOMET (Lot 1.2: North Section, Tokyo – Otopeni Airport).

Discussions focused on the current status of the “M6 Metro Line: 1 Mai – Otopeni” project and the outlook for future developments. This project is being carried out in strategic partnership with Japan and is financed by the state budget and external refundable funds, including a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The visit to the future “Tokyo” metro station site allowed Metrorex’s General Director to showcase the progress on the station, which will serve as a central connection between the metro line’s South and North Sections. The station’s name, Tokyo, honors Japan’s support for the project.

The M6 Metro Line will span 14.2 km of double track, with 12 modern trains serving 12 stations, offering a fast and efficient connection between Bucharest’s 1 Mai district and Henri Coandă – Otopeni International Airport. This landmark project, declared of public utility and national importance by Government Decision No. 496/2017, aims to enhance mobility by integrating with the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).

The M6 Metro Line represents a significant step in modernizing Romania’s transport infrastructure, offering sustainable and comfortable mobility solutions for both Bucharest residents and travelers using Henri Coandă Airport.

The North Section of M6 Metro Line has received the Building Permit

METROREX S.A. announces the obtaining of the Building Permit for Lot 1.2 of M6 Metro Line , marking a significant step forward in the progress of the “Bucharest International Airport Rail Access Link Project (M6 Metro Line. 1 Mai – Otopeni)”. This section, known as the North Section, will link the Romanian capital to its main air gateway, Henri Coandă International Airport, thereby providing a vital connection within the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).

The construction is being carried out by the Gülermak Ağir Sanayi Insaat Ve Taahhüt A.S.-Somet SA Joint Venture under the design and build civil works contract signed with Metrorex S.A. for this section, which includes a 7.6 km route between Tokyo and Aeroport Otopeni metro stations.

At present, the Gülermak Ağir Sanayi Insaat Ve Taahhüt A.S.-Somet SA Consortium is preparing the Technical Execution Project necessary for issuing the Notice to Proceed with the construction works.

The North Section, Lot 1.2, spans a distance of 7.6 kilometers, including the stations Washington, Paris, Bruxelles, Otopeni, Ion I.C. Brătianu, and Aeroport Otopeni. This route will also include six interstation segments: Tokyo – Washington, Washington – Paris, Paris – Bruxelles, Bruxelles – Otopeni, Otopeni – Ion I.C. Brătianu, and Ion I.C. Brătianu – Aeroport Băneasa.

“Bucharest International Airport Rail Access Link Project (M6 Metro Line. 1 Mai – Otopeni)” is one project of public utility and national interest, with the design and execution of the North Section financed by the state budget and external refundable funds – external loan from JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency).

This new and rapid connection is designed for all residents of the capital, business professionals, commuters, and tourists, offering enhanced opportunities for business, travel, environmental sustainability, and quality of life. The new metro line will serve an area with a high demand for fast, safe, and efficient transportation, significantly improving traffic safety.

JICA Officials’ Visit within the M6 Metro Line Project

“Bucharest International Airport Rail Access Link Project (M6 Metro Line. 1 Mai – Otopeni)” continues to make steady progress, reaffirming its status as a project of public utility and national interest. In line with Government Decision no. 496/2017, the project aims to address mobility needs by expanding the trans-European transport network (TEN-T). Funding for the design and build civil works of the North Section is provided by the state budget and refundable external funds – a JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) external loan.

During March 13-14, 2024, Metrorex had the honor of hosting a visit from JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) officials, the financiers of the M6 Project, Lot 1.2. This visit included meetings with representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, Metrorex, as well as representatives of the Contractors and the Supervisor of the two sections of the future metro line.

Metrorex General Director Mariana Miclăuș led the working visit to the construction sites, guiding the Japanese officials through the various stages of construction of the future stations. The event was also attended by representatives of the designated Contractors: ALSIM ALARKO – MAKYOL, responsible for the design and build of the civil works for Lot 1.1 – 1Mai-Tokyo (South Section), and representatives of Gülermak Ağir Sanayi Insaat Ve Taahhüt A.S. – Somet SA, the designated Contractor for Lot 1.2 – Tokyo – Otopeni Airport (North Section).

During the visit at the future Expoziției metro station, the representative of ALSIM ALARKO-MAKYOL presented the work plans and the executed guide beams. At the future Aeroport Băneasa metro station, the officials could observe ongoing construction activities, including the coordination of monitoring activities, the formwork removal from the washing ramp, and the supervision of the works. At the future Tokyo metro station, the ALSIM ALARKO – MAKYOL Contractor presented the progress of the works for the preparation of the drilled piles and diaphragm walls.

The new M6 Metro Line, a landmark project for Romania’s transportation infrastructure, will have a 14.2-km double-track route and serve 12 stations along the 1 Mai – Otopeni route. It will be equipped with 12 new, modern trains designed to provide efficient and comfortable transportation for passengers.

Through these continuous efforts and international collaborations, the Bucharest International Airport Rail Access Link Project (Metro Line 6. 1 Mai – Otopeni) is steadily advancing towards completion, bringing significant benefits to urban mobility and the economic development of the region.

Tender for the North Section

Bucharest, February 28, 2023

In a significant moment for the progress of the capital’s transport infrastructure, Metrorex announces the successful completion of the tender procedure for the metro network expansion project, which will provide a direct link between the city center and Henri Coandă International Airport. This project, an integral part of “Bucharest International Airport Rail Access Link Project (Metro Line 6. 1 Mai – Otopeni)”, represents a major step forward in improving urban mobility and airport accessibility.

Appointment of the Contractor: A Strategic Partnership for Bucharest
After a competitive selection process, the Gülermak Ağir Sanayi Insaat Ve Taahhüt A.S.-Somet SA Joint Venture has been selected as the successful bidder, based on the “Best Value for Money” selection criteria. The official announcement has been made today, at 2.30 pm, marking a crucial moment for the progress of the M6 Metro Line project, which will facilitate a fast and efficient link between the city center and the Otopeni Airport.

Contractual Details and Project Funding


The contract value, in the amount of 1,278,415,271.87 lei (excluding VAT), reflects the commitment and significant investment in the modernization and expansion of Bucharest’s public transport infrastructure. Project financing is provided through a mix of state budget resources and repayable external funds, including a foreign loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), underlining the strategic importance and wider benefits of this project.


M6 Metro Line Impact: Connectivity and Development


With a total length of 14.2 km and 12 stations, the M6 Metro Line promises to transform the travel experience for residents and tourists. The Tokyo – Aeroport Otopeni section, comprising 7.6 km and 6 stations, including Washington, Paris, Bruxelles, Otopeni, Ion I.C. Brătianu and Aeroport Otopeni, will provide an efficient and safe solution for traveling to and from the airport, significantly contributing to the reduce traffic congestion, traffic accidents, and pollution.


A Vision for the Future: Benefits and Expectations


M6 Metro Line is a key element in the region’s urban and economic development vision, not only delivering a green and efficient transportation alternative, but also stimulating a boost to economic growth by improving accessibility and connectivity. With an estimated completion timeframe of 48 months from the issuance of the Commencement Order, the project is expected to bring significant improvements in urban quality of life and facilitate a smooth transition to a modern and integrated transport infrastructure.


Conclusion


Through this ambitious project, Metrorex and its partners reaffirm their commitment to the sustainable development of the Capital, reflecting a progressive vision for a future in which urban mobility is safe, efficient and accessible to all. M6 Metro Line is not just an extension of the metro network, but a symbol of Bucharest’s progress and dynamism, opening new perspectives for urban and economic development in the region.