EU gives EUR 170 mln for first phase of Bucharest 5th metro line

The European Commission recently approved a change in the major new metro line project in Bucharest, which will link Raul Doamnei to the Eroilor station. The project will thus divide into two phases. The first is included in the 2007-2013 programming period, while the second will be financed in the 2014-2020 programming period. Following the European Commission’s decision, the first phase of the project has an eligible value of EUR 200 million, with some EUR 170 million coming from the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund. The project’s total cost amounts to over EUR 480 million. “The construction of the 5th metro line is a project of great importance for the inhabitants of Bucharest as it will reduce the travel time between the Drumul Taberei neighborhood and Eroilor area by almost 20 minutes. It is estimated that more than half of the 335,000 people living in Drumul Taberei and adjacent areas will use the future metro line,” said Corina Cretu, European Commissioner for Regional Policy. The 5th metro line M5 will have a total length of 6.7 km, ten stations, and a depot located at Valea Ialomitei station. The entire project should be completed by December 31, 2017. Bucharest metro operator Metrorex should also start building another metro line next year, to connect the capital's main train station Gara de Nord and the Henri Coanda International Airport. Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com