Hitachi Rail Celebrates Opening of Final M4 Metro Section in Milan

Hitachi Rail has marked the start of passenger service on the final section of the M4 metro line in Milan, Italy, extending the line to the San Cristoforo terminus in the city’s South-West quadrant. The completed M4 line now spans 15 kilometres and includes 21 stations, providing critical metro service to this rapidly growing part of the city.

Key Role of Hitachi Rail in the M4 Metro Project

As a key partner in the project, Hitachi Rail supplied 47 autonomous trains and was responsible for several crucial components, including the:

• Signalling system
• Third rail power supply
• Telecommunications infrastructure
• Platform screen doors
• SCADA control system
• Fare management system

The new line is equipped with driverless CBTC (Communications-Based Train Control) technology, ensuring increased reliability and safety, while the trains can reach speeds of 80 km/h and operate with a frequency of one train every 90 seconds, reducing to 75 seconds during peak hours.

Capacity and Environmental Impact

Each of the autonomous trains can carry up to 500 passengers, allowing the line to transport around 24,000 people per hour in each direction. This will significantly reduce the reliance on private car travel in the area.

According to Luca D’Aquila, COO of Hitachi Rail Group and CEO of Hitachi Rail Italy, “The completion of Line 4 represents another step forward for the citizens of Milan in the transition from private to collective mobility. The San Cristoforo extension will result in over 4 million fewer car trips annually, contributing to a significant environmental impact.”

The M4 line is expected to enhance the ease and comfort of travel for Milan’s citizens, making it a reliable and eco-friendly alternative to car travel.

A Sustainable Future for Milan’s Transit System

The M4 metro line's final section marks a major milestone in Milan's push toward sustainable urban mobility. With the high capacity and frequency of trains, the new metro line will not only relieve traffic congestion but also play a key role in reducing the city's carbon footprint.

For more information on Hitachi Rail’s involvement in the M4 line and its cutting-edge technology, visit Hitachi Rail.