Image copyright Dansk MNO
On the edge of Copenhagen’s harbour, leading off into the city’s city centre, sits the new, wafer-thin Metro. In it, commuters will be able to ride elevated trains using overhead catenary wire cables.
It’s stunning, says Stefan Holmberg of the Danish Metro system. “It is not only the most beautiful design for Copenhagen’s Metro station, but also the longest,” he says.
Image copyright Dansk MNO Image caption The construction began in 2013 and was finished in September 2016
“Building the Copenhagen Metro in almost one year and a half with teams from all over the world has given us a unique experience.”
Norway-based Dansk MNO worked with Arup architects and Copenhagen’s Royal Danish Opera to create the new design.
The project began in 2013 when they were awarded the contract by the Danish Metro System.
The distinctive mix of red windows, calming pendant lighting and classic granite colouring on the new product echoes the Danish city.
The network also includes an LIDAR system that helps motorists avoid gridlocks, which will be key in the already crowded centre of Copenhagen.
Image copyright Dansk MNO Image caption There are plans to add an underground train service for the Expo 2020 world’s fair in the city
Critics have argued for years that the Metro is outdated, underused and overweight.
This has had a huge impact on the overall cost of the projects, says Mr Holmberg.
In its early years, the Metro had little competition because it was serving a much smaller area of the city – the city’s harbourside.
But now, it faces stiff competition from a new subway network planned for the city centre.
The Copenhagen Metro expansion plan includes launching an underground connection with the new station in the city centre.
Although its announced plans are still few and far between, Mr Holmberg says he is sure it will go ahead.
“The Copenhagen Metro Expo is an international fair, so Copenhagen will emerge as the leading city in transport technology and there will be extensive discussion about the route and the construction”.