Paris Métro Line 15 is one of four new lines of Grand Paris Express, a major expansion project of the Paris Métro. Currently under construction, the line will provide a new orbital route through the suburbs of Paris, servicing the departments of Hauts-de-Seine, Val-de-Marne and Seine-Saint-Denis.[1] The southern section of the line is planned to open in 2025, with the completed line planned to open in 2030.[2]
In line with all Grand Paris Express lines, Line 15 will be fully automated. Upon completion, Line 15 will be the world's longest underground rapid transit tunnel dedicated to passenger service.[2]
The line is being built by Société du Grand Paris, a public agency set up by the French Government to deliver the Grand Paris Express project.[3]
The route for Line 15 bears a strong resemblance to the Arc Express proposal initially presented by RATP in 2006. It was subsequently incorporated as the "Red Line" within the Grand Paris public transportation network project, introduced by President Nicolas Sarkozy in 2009. The line received its current designation in 2013 when Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault announced the "New Grand Paris" project.[4]
The initial 2013 government plan groundbreaking for the southern section in early 2015, groundbreaking for the western and eastern segments in 2020, opening of the southern section in 2024 (later revised to 2025),[5] and completion of the western and eastern sections in 2030.[6][7]
The project will be constructed in two phases. The southern section, connecting Pont de Sèvres and Noisy-Champs, is scheduled to open by the end of 2025. The complete line, encompassing the western (Pont de Sèvres to Saint-Denis–Pleyel) and eastern sections (Saint-Denis–Pleyel to Champigny Centre), is projected for completion in 2030.[8]
The southern section (Pont de Sèvres to Noisy–Champs) encompasses 16 stations, two maintenance depots and stretches 33 kilometres (21 mi).[9] The construction of this section has encountered delays, missing the targeted opening before the 2024 Summer Olympics.[5][10] As of August 2021[update], this section of the line is anticipated to be operational by the end of 2025.[8] This section of the line is estimated to cost around €3.7 billion.[11]
The northern section comprises two segments: west (Pont de SèvrestoSaint-Denis–Pleyel) and east (Saint-Denis–Pleyel to Champigny Centre). Upon completion, tentatively scheduled for 2030, these sections will connect with the southern section to form the complete orbital route.[2][12][13] This leg of the project will encompass 16 stations and a maintenance depot.[12][13] The eastern section's initial cost estimate of €3.77 billion has been revised upwards to €5.65 billion (as of 2021[update]).[14]
While major construction contracts for the line itself haven't been awarded yet, preparatory work is underway at Saint-Denis–Pleyel and Champigny Centre stations, which are being built for other lines but will include platforms for Line 15.[15][10]
In July 2018, Alstom secured a €1.3 billion contract to supply 183 Alstom Metropolis trains for the Grand Paris Express project,[16] with the initial 150 cars (25 six-car Alstom Metropolis MR6V trains) designated for Line 15 to be delivered starting in 2022.[16]
