In March, the Community of Madrid opened for public consultation five proposals to extend the Metro network to the Madrid Nuevo Norte development. Four of these options shared similarities, such as a new independent line connecting to Metro Line 10 and a route along Agustín de Foxá Street. The fifth proposal, ultimately chosen, involves an extension of Line 1 to the north, with the current Pinar de Chamartín-Bambú-Chamartín section becoming part of Line 4.
All proposals included a branch connecting to future Metro depots, whose project drafting is already in the tender phase. After a thorough analysis of functional, environmental, territorial, and economic issues, the regional government has highlighted the fifth alternative as the most favorable option for project execution.
This extension will allow Madrid Nuevo Norte to connect from Chamartín with Lines 1 and 10, extending approximately three kilometers north. Three new stations are planned, provisionally named Centro de Negocios (for the future financial district), Fuencarral Sur, and Fuencarral Norte (to cover new residential areas). Additionally, Line 4 will be extended to Chamartín station, connecting with Line 10 and the long-distance and Cercanías train networks.
The Community of Madrid's forecasts indicate that this expansion will benefit over 175,000 daily users, enabling direct travel from the north of the capital to strategic central locations such as Sol, Gran Vía, and Atocha. The budget for the reorganization of Line 1 amounts to 401 million euros, making it the most expensive option among the five proposed.
“"The reorganization of Line 1 will mean the loss of direct access for residents to the center of Madrid, forcing them to make transfers and increasing travel times on daily commutes."
The selection of this alternative has caused concern among residents of neighborhoods like Sanchinarro and Virgen del Cortijo. These areas, currently connected by Light Metro to Pinar de Chamartín station, would lose their direct connection to central Madrid. To express their disagreement, neighborhood associations from these areas held protests on March 26 and April 7 outside Pinar de Chamartín station, under the slogan “L1 stays”.
According to the associations, this reorganization would lead to longer travel times and transfers, potential saturation of Chamartín station, and an increase in public spending. They argue that the first four alternatives would not impact their residents' mobility as they proposed a new independent line.
“"They will study the allegations presented to the project."
The Community of Madrid allowed the submission of allegations to the project until April 9. Neighborhood associations have requested the Department of Transport to reconsider the modification of Line 1's route and to conduct a transparent comparative study evaluating not only cost but also capacity, operability, scalability, and future impact, without ruling out an independent driverless line. The Department of Transport has assured that it will analyze the allegations submitted.
