The underground section of Panama Metro Line 3 has crossed the Panama Canal and is 45% complete. It is located under the port of Balboa, the director general of the Panama Metro, César A. Pinzón, reported yesterday. During the project update presentation, Pinzón highlighted that the project's cost has undergone significant variations due to technical adjustments and the separation of associated works. 'This is an example that the country can achieve great things, above differences,' the president expressed. The head of state stated that the project has generated over 5,000 direct and indirect jobs. Furthermore, he reaffirmed his commitment that Line 3 will be completed in 2028 and added that one of his goals is to lay the groundwork for the future Line 2A of the Metro. The concrete structures of the stations are already completed in their first phase and energized for the start of testing. Meanwhile, the elevated viaduct reports a 97% completion in the installation of the running beams, tracing the path where trains will soon circulate. The complete fleet of 26 Hitachi trains, each with 6 cars designed to move around a thousand passengers per train, is already in Panama. President José Raúl Mulino, who toured the site yesterday, highlighted that the progress of Line 3 is proof that the country can do things well. 'This is an impressive project that will improve the quality of life for citizens. It will connect more than 500,000 residents of West Panama.' Regarding the elevated infrastructure, it was learned that the section in the yards and workshops of Ciudad del Futuro is over 98% complete. 'We have managed to secure financing under good conditions for the underground section,' Pinzón noted. The authorities at the press conference stated that this monorail system will run for 24.5 kilometers and will have 11 stations in its first phase. 'We are also in the process of formalizing the financing part.' The original cost of Line 3 was $2.8 billion, but due to all the modifications and the separation of the projects, the contractually reflected value is $3.9 billion.
