The tunnel-boring machine (TBM) “Vitosha” has reached the site of the future Sityankovo metro station in Sofia, marking the completion of approximately 3,750 meters—or 80%—of the tunnel for the new metro line extension through the Slatina district, according to BNT. With only 900 meters left to reach the final shaft at the Military Academy, the project is moving toward its goal of connecting the Theater Academy with Tsarigradsko Shose Boulevard.
Progress on the Slatina Metro Extension
The 6-kilometer extension, which includes six new stations, is designed to accommodate an estimated 70,000 daily passengers. According to the sources, the TBM “Vitosha” began its journey from the Tsarigradsko Shose shaft on February 6, 2024. The machine, which measures 86 meters in length and weighs 1,600 tons, advances at an average rate of 10 to 15 meters per day. Along its route, the machine successively passes through the future stations of Trakia, Arena Sofia, SK CSKA, Slatina, Geo Milev, and Sityankovo, starting from the Military Academy and crossing through the Oborishte and Slatina districts as well as the Geo Milev and Hristo Smirnenski neighborhoods to reach Tsarigradsko Shose Boulevard.
Nikolay Naydenov, executive director of “Metropoliten,” stated that work is continuing around the clock to ensure the project remains on track. He noted that the construction process is highly controlled, utilizing computer monitoring to track the route and manage potential risks in real-time.
Tunnel Design Prioritizes Noise Reduction and Passenger Comfort
The tunnel is being constructed as a double-track line with an external diameter of 9.05 meters, while the cutting head of the machine has a diameter of 9.4 meters. More than 45% of the metro extension toward Slatina and Mladost is already completed, with the section toward Levski quarter scheduled for completion and opening in July.
To mitigate the impact on residents living along the route, officials have committed to project refinements intended to lower operational noise levels. Naydenov emphasized that the new infrastructure will prioritize passenger comfort, stating that the project has been adjusted to ensure it remains as quiet as possible while maintaining service efficiency.
Timeline for Completion
The TBM is expected to reach the Military Academy by the end of the year, at which point the machinery will be dismantled and removed from the shaft. This milestone will conclude the primary mechanical excavation phase of the 6-kilometer extension.
Line 3 Extension Reaches 80 Percent Completion
When did the construction of this metro extension begin?
Construction on the new branch of Line 3 officially started in late 2023, with the tunnel-boring machine beginning its excavation from the Tsarigradsko Shose shaft on early February 6, 2024.
How does the current tunnel progress compare to the total project?
As of the arrival at the Sityankovo station, 3,750 meters of the tunnel have been completed. This represents 80% of the total 6-kilometer route, leaving approximately 900 meters remaining to reach the final point at the Military Academy.
What is the expected passenger capacity for the new line?
The extension is projected to serve approximately 70,000 passengers daily, providing them with a more direct connection to the city center and essential intermodal transit points.
Related reading