Green mobility: end of work on Milan’s M4 line

From San Cristoforo to Linate via the center, in less than half an hour: Milan celebrates the completion of the M4 line (or Blue Line), a milestone sanctioned by the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the San Cristoforo stop on October 12, 2024, in the presence of key city authorities and project representatives. The M4 line, with its 15 kilometers and 21 stations, is now a functional link from east to west, passing through some of the city’s nerve centers such as the historic center, San Babila and other strategic stops for commuters and tourists.

Why the M4 line is revolutionary

The M4 project, implemented by WeBuild, is a masterpiece of technology designed to offer efficient travel solutions with a major impact on the mobility of the Lombard capital. In fact, the Blue Line represents an example of engineering excellence, innovation and sustainable development, destined to change citizens’ habits radically. Below are some interesting aspects concerning it:

– Italy’s first 5G subway: The M4 is the first subway line in Italy to be fully covered by a 5G network, thanks to INWIT’s infrastructure, which enables excellent connectivity and advanced digital services for passengers.

– Driverless trains: The M4 line is fully operated by 47 automated driverless trains, each with a capacity of about 600 people. This system optimises waiting times and increases service safety and efficiency.

– Environmental impact: It is estimated that the line can reduce road traffic by more than 180,000 vehicles daily, decreasing CO2 emissions of up to 75,000 tons per year, improving air quality and reducing noise pollution.

– Accessibility and inclusiveness: The M4 is fully accessible, with elevators and tactile pathways at all stations to enable a comfortable experience even for people with reduced mobility or disabilities.

– Reduced travel time: The estimated time to travel the entire line from Linate to San Cristoforo is about 30 minutes, making the trip quick and efficient for those travelling between the east and west of the city. The frequency during peak hours is 90 seconds, while the minimum frequency is 75 seconds.

– Impact on mobility and environment: According to estimates, the M4 Blue Line can transport up to 86 million people each year, avoiding more than 180,000 car trips every day, with a reduction in CO2 emissions of about at 75,000 tons per year. The construction of the work also led to the redevelopment of a total area of more than 240,000 square meters along the section, including 66,000 square meters of green areas, and the planting of 1,900 new trees.

Deep blue, Nesite for the M4 line

The raised flooring provided and installed by NESITE for Milan’s M4 metro line represents a key technical solution for managing and maintaining the station facilities. With over 10,000 square meters installed since 2016, this system has been designed to meet the needs of an automated and technologically advanced metro line.

The stations on the M4 line, located at great depths, need to accommodate a complex network of electrical cables, pipes, and ducts that support various services such as ventilation, safety, and power systems.

In these cases, the efficiency of technical systems becomes essential for the safe and continuous operation of the line. Here, the raised flooring serves as a strategic component in maintaining high standards of infrastructure maintenance and management. This flooring system enables quick and easy access to the infrastructure, allowing operators to perform technical interventions without disrupting station operations.