Lima Metro Lines 3 and 4: New Funding and Execution Timelines

The Peruvian government is advancing the execution of Lines 3 and 4 of the Lima Metro, with the Ministry of Economy and Finance aiming to award the contracts for these megaprojects in 2026. These underground rail lines are designed to significantly expand the capital’s transit network, potentially benefiting more than seven million residents across Lima and Callao.

On March 10, 2025, Minister of Economy and Finance José Salardi announced during the presentation of the 2025-2026 Investment Portfolio that the executive branch intends to award both lines next year. Salardi stated that the projects have already received approved pre-investment, allowing the government to move directly into the structuring phase.

The development of these lines is expected to involve an investment exceeding $10 billion. According to an announcement by Minister of Transport and Communications César Sandoval on September 3, 2025, the projects are intended to be executed under a Government-to-Government modality. However, Minister Salardi previously indicated on March 10, 2025, that the government would utilize Public-Private Partnerships (APP) to mitigate fiscal impact and ensure long-term sustainability, with ProInversión tasked with evaluating the most efficient development model based on previous experiences.

Technical Specifications of Line 3

Line 3 is planned as a completely underground route extending 34.8 kilometers. The line will connect the district of Comas with San Juan de Miraflores, featuring a total of 28 stations. This route is designed to traverse 13 districts, aiming to reduce travel time between its two endpoints to less than one hour.

The Ministry of Transport and Communications has indicated that Line 3 is expected to facilitate transit for more than five million residents. The design focuses on integrating the new line with existing and future metro services, as well as other public transportation options, to create a more efficient urban flow.

Technical Specifications of Line 4

Line 4 will also be fully underground, covering a main distance of 23.6 kilometers from Callao to Santa Anita. The project includes an eight-kilometer branch extending between Faucett and Gambetta. This line will consist of 20 stations and is projected to allow passengers to connect the two ends of the city in approximately 44 minutes.

Projections from the Urban Transport Authority for Lima and Callao (ATU) suggest that more than two million people will benefit directly from the operation of Line 4. Like Line 3, Line 4 will traverse 13 districts, enhancing connectivity between the port city of Callao and the eastern sectors of the capital.

Project Timeline and Execution

While the goal for awarding the contracts is set for 2026, the operational timeline extends well into the next decade. Minister César Sandoval noted on September 3, 2025, that the initiation of procedures marks the start of a state policy to establish these lines, though operations are not expected to begin until after 2031.

To ensure the viability of the projects, the Ministry of Economy and Finance is implementing a joint effort involving Project Management Offices (PMO) and other technical entities. This approach aims to incorporate best practices from previous infrastructure projects to avoid common pitfalls associated with large-scale urban developments.

The broader strategy for the Lima Metro system is now being projected toward 2045, with the government establishing a framework to execute not only Lines 3 and 4 but also a proposed Line 7. This long-term vision seeks to integrate the city’s mobility systems to better manage a population that now exceeds ten million inhabitants.

The current phase of the project focuses on the structuring of the contracts and the finalization of financing alternatives. By utilizing a combination of technical licenses and the evaluated APP or Government-to-Government models, the administration aims to secure the necessary funding and expertise to complete the underground network.