Paris is getting a whole new Metro network. And it’s huge

Paris is getting a whole new Metro network. And it’s huge. Paris is renowned for its beautiful art nouveau entrances, maze-like tunnels, and trains that rattle briskly under, and occasionally over, some of the world's most famous streets. Now, the city is expanding its iconic Metro network with a massive new project. The Grand Paris Express is set to revolutionize public transportation in the French capital. This ambitious undertaking involves the construction of four new fully automated Metro lines, as well as the extension of two existing lines. The project was launched in 2011, and construction is expected to be completed by 2030. When finished, the Grand Paris Express will consist of 200 kilometers of tracks, 68 new stations, and serve around 2 million passengers daily. One of the key objectives of the project is to improve connectivity within the Greater Paris region. Currently, many suburbs around the city are poorly connected, making commuting a challenge for residents. The Grand Paris Express aims to address this issue by ensuring that every resident in the suburban areas is no more than a 10-minute walk away from a Metro station. In addition to providing better accessibility, the new Metro lines will also contribute to the economic development of the region. The project is expected to create 45,000 direct jobs during the construction phase and generate an estimated €46 billion ($54 billion) in economic benefits by 2030. One of the standout features of the Grand Paris Express is the architecture of the new Metro stations. The design of these stations has been entrusted to world-renowned architects, ensuring that each station is a unique and aesthetically pleasing space. Notable architects involved in the project include Jean-Marie Duthilleul, Kengo Kuma, Dominique Perrault, and Philippe Gazeau. The expansion of the Metro network will also have a positive impact on the environment. It is estimated that the Grand Paris Express will result in a 43% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from transportation in the region by 2050. One of the new Metro lines, Line 15, is set to become the backbone of the Grand Paris Express network. This circular line will have a total length of 75 kilometers and connect the suburbs with the city center, passing through key hubs such as La Défense, Porte de Versailles, Gare de Lyon, and Saint-Denis Pleyel. Line 15 will also have connections to other Metro lines, making it easier for passengers to transfer and reach their desired destinations. The line is expected to carry around one million passengers every day, significantly reducing congestion on existing Metro lines. In addition to Line 15, three other new Metro lines will be built. Line 16 will connect Saint-Denis Pleyel with Noisy-Champs, Line 17 will link Le Bourget Airport with the future EuropaCity leisure complex, and Line 18 will serve the southern suburbs, connecting Orly Airport with Versailles. The extension of existing Metro lines is another crucial aspect of the Grand Paris Express project. Line 11, which currently terminates at Châtelet, will be extended to just north of the city limits, enhancing connectivity between Paris and the suburbs. Line 14, known as the Meteor line, will also be extended to the north and south. The extension to the south, which is already under construction, will connect the Olympiades neighborhood with Orly Airport, providing a direct link between the city and the airport. The Grand Paris Express is not just about new Metro lines and stations. It is a comprehensive project that also includes the development of new neighborhoods and urban planning initiatives. The aim is to create sustainable and livable communities around the Metro stations, with a focus on mixed-use developments, green spaces, and pedestrian-friendly streets. With its innovative design, economic benefits, and improved accessibility, the Grand Paris Express is set to transform public transportation in the Greater Paris region. By connecting the suburbs with the city center and providing better mobility options, this ambitious project will make commuting easier and more convenient for residents and visitors alike. Furthermore, the new Metro network will contribute to the economic growth and environmental sustainability of the region. Paris is undoubtedly going places with its new Metro network — and it's going to be huge.