EIB Considers €145M Loan for Toulouse Metro Line B Extension

TOULOUSE, FRANCE – The European Investment Bank (EIB) may provide a EUR 145 million loan for the extension of the Toulouse metro’s Line B. If approved, the funds will represent the third and final tranche of a framework loan signed in 2018. The loan is designated for the public transport authority SMTCAT Tisséo Collectivités to execute the extension project, which has a total estimated cost of EUR 182.5 million.

Operational & Technical Details

The project will extend Line B 2.7 km south-east from Ramonville to the National Polytechnic Institute of Toulouse (INPT). The route includes a 500-meter underground section to cross the Canal du Midi and a 2.2 km viaduct. Two elevated stations will be built: Parc Technologique du Canal (PTC) and INPT. The INPT station is designed to provide a direct link to the city’s planned third metro line.

Siemens Mobility’s subcontractor, Generale Costruzioni Ferroviarie (GCF), is responsible for the design phase (2023-2025). GCF began initial rail installation in 2023. The company’s scope includes building the main track, side guides, three switches, and installing evacuation sidewalks. Upon completion, the extension will offer a 3-minute travel time between Ramonville and INPT.

Market Impact Analysis

Approval of the EUR 145 million loan would mark the successful conclusion of the EIB’s 2018 framework agreement, signaling stable, long-term financial backing for Toulouse’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan. The project reinforces Siemens Mobility’s position in the French urban rail sector, following its successful 2020 project to double the capacity of Toulouse’s Line A. By serving key technology and education centers and integrating with the future metro network, the extension is a strategic infrastructure investment designed to support regional economic growth and increase public transport adoption.

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