Madrid Metro Line 6: Voltage Upgrade for Driverless Trains

Madrid modernizes Metro Line 6’s **electrification** for future driverless **trains**, including a voltage upgrade and substation overhauls, promising energy savings.

Madrid Metro Line 6: Voltage Upgrade for Driverless Trains
October 8, 2025 9:54 pm
A+
A-

“`html

Introduction

The Community of Madrid is modernizing the electrification system of Metro Line 6 to facilitate the future implementation of driverless trains. This initiative is part of a broader plan to fully automate the city’s circular line, aiming for completion by 2027.

Voltage Upgrade on Metro Line 6

The initial phase of the project, conducted between June and September, focused on the western section of Line 6. This involved increasing the overhead catenary voltage from 600 to 1,500 volts.

Substation Overhauls

To accommodate the voltage increase, seven electrical substations underwent complete overhauls. These substations are located at Moncloa, Puerta del Ángel, Lucero, Carpetana, Plaza Elíptica, Usera, and Arganzuela.

The overhaul process included disconnecting and dismantling old components, installing new protection and control systems, and fitting transformers and rectifiers suitable for the higher voltage required for automated operations.

Energy Savings and Operational Continuity

Preliminary studies indicate that the upgrade will result in significant energy savings. Electricity consumption on Line 6 is projected to decrease by up to 30%, with a 3.6% reduction expected across the entire Metro network.

The project was executed without a full service suspension, maintaining a stable power supply to ensure safe train operations throughout the works. This was achieved through meticulous planning.

Project Funding and Future Plans

The project is co-financed at 40% through the Community of Madrid’s 2021–2027 European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) program.

Similar interventions are planned for other substations as the project progresses along the eastern section of the line.

Last June 2025, we published an article about Renfe’s cutting-edge Aranjuez maintenance hub. Click here to read – Future of Rail: Renfe’s Railway Technology Hub, Aranjuez: Essential Guide

Conclusion

The Community of Madrid is upgrading the electrification system on Metro Line 6, including increasing the overhead catenary voltage from 600 to 1,500 volts, as part of a project to introduce driverless trains. This work, which involved overhauling seven substations, is expected to reduce energy consumption and is partially funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Company Summary

Community of Madrid: The regional government responsible for infrastructure and public transportation within the Madrid region, Spain.

“`