Lima Metro Lines 2 & 4 Project
One of the largest urban transportation infrastructure programs ever developed in Latin America
Project Overview
The Lima Metro Lines 2 and 4 Project represents one of the largest urban transportation infrastructure programs ever developed in Latin America and the first fully underground metro system constructed in Lima, Peru.
The project includes approximately 35 kilometers of underground tunnels and multiple underground stations, comprising:
– 27 kilometers of Line 2
– 8 kilometers of Line 4
– More than 30 underground stations
– Extensive railway, systems, and operational infrastructure
The metro alignment was constructed approximately 40 meters below ground level beneath one of the most densely populated and heavily congested urban areas in South America. The project introduced advanced tunneling technologies and large-scale underground construction methodologies never before implemented in the city.
Challenge
The Lima Metro Project presented extraordinary engineering, logistical, operational, and stakeholder management challenges.
Construction Beneath a Major Metropolitan Area
The project required the construction of 35 kilometers of underground tunnel beneath one of the largest urban centers in South America. Unlike greenfield infrastructure projects, construction activities had to be executed while maintaining the continuous operation of the city above.
Complex Urban Traffic Management
One of the most significant challenges involved maintaining traffic flow while constructing multiple underground stations. Lima consistently ranks among the most congested cities in the world, requiring extensive traffic diversion planning and stakeholder coordination. At various stages of construction, between four and seven stations were built simultaneously, significantly increasing logistical complexity and coordination requirements.
Groundwater and Marine Influence
Approximately 12 kilometers of tunnel and 12 underground stations were located in areas with extremely high groundwater levels due to their proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the Port of Callao. These conditions required continuous groundwater extraction systems, water reinjection systems, permanent groundwater monitoring, and specialized waterproofing solutions.
Underground Waterproofing Challenges
To guarantee long-term structural integrity and operational safety, the project incorporated advanced waterproofing systems designed to ensure complete watertightness of underground structures operating below the groundwater table.
Tunneling Execution Risks
The first 8 kilometers of Line 2 were constructed using the Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM). The remaining tunnel sections were excavated using two Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), introducing additional planning, logistics, maintenance, and performance monitoring challenges.
GMCi Approach
GMCi leadership participated in engineering, planning, monitoring, project controls, reporting, and construction performance management functions throughout project execution. Key contributions included:
Development of Engineering
Lead the engineering area of the project in order to ensure that there is adequate control of engineering changes, generation of new information and providing solutions that adapt to the reality of the project
Advanced Project Controls
Development and monitoring of integrated master schedules. Progress measurement and performance tracking. Critical-path analysis. Forecasting and milestone management.
Construction Monitoring
Tracking simultaneous construction fronts. Monitoring station construction performance. Assessing tunneling productivity. Supporting schedule recovery initiatives.
Traffic Diversion & Stakeholder Coordination Support
Monitoring critical traffic diversion milestones. Supporting coordination of construction sequencing. Evaluating schedule impacts associated with urban restrictions.
Risk Management
Monitoring groundwater-related construction risks. Tracking mitigation measures associated with tunneling and station excavation. Supporting proactive management of schedule-critical activities.
Executive Reporting
Performance dashboards. Progress reporting. Forecast analysis. Decision-support information for project leadership teams.
Results
Despite unprecedented urban, technical, and logistical challenges, the project achieved significant execution milestones.
Major Accomplishments
- Successful construction of the first underground metro system in Lima
- Development of approximately 35 kilometers of underground tunnel
- Simultaneous construction of multiple underground stations in highly congested urban environments
- Safe execution of tunnel works beneath areas with high groundwater conditions
- Successful implementation of groundwater extraction and reinjection systems
- Delivery of watertight underground structures through specialized waterproofing systems
- Effective management of complex traffic diversion programs throughout construction
Construction Performance Highlights
- Average TBM production rate of approximately 500 meters of fully lined tunnel per month
- Underground station construction cycles averaging approximately 12 months per station
- Simultaneous execution of up to seven station construction sites
- Continuous progress achieved while maintaining city operations and traffic circulation
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- Creation of Lima's first fully underground metro system
- Significant reduction in future traffic congestion
- Improved mobility for millions of residents
- Modernization of public transportation infrastructure
- Creation of a strategic transportation asset supporting long-term urban development