President José Raúl Mulino has reaffirmed plans for a Metro connection from San Miguelito to Paitilla through the busy Tumba Muerto corridor, saying he hopes to leave the project advanced before his term ends in 2029.
Speaking on October 15 at the ceremony authorizing construction of San Miguelito’s cable car, Mulino outlined the proposed Line 2A route. It would follow Avenida Ricardo J. Alfaro, commonly known as Tumba Muerto, linking residential neighbourhoods, commercial districts and university campuses with central Panama City.
The president mentioned El Bosque, El Dorado and Plaza Edison among the areas along the planned corridor. The route would connect with the existing Metro network at San Miguelito and with Line 1 at Iglesia del Carmen before continuing toward Paitilla.
The project is also known as the university route because it would serve several higher-education institutions along Tumba Muerto, a major road used daily by students and commuters.
However, Mulino’s remarks did not establish a construction start date or announce a contract award. Line 2A remains at the planning stage.
According to an October 5 report by TVN, the Metro’s proposed 2027 budget includes resources for complementary studies and preparation of tender documents. Those steps would precede the procurement and construction phases.
An indicative timetable places potential completion in 2033, subject to the project meeting its planned milestones. That date is a projection rather than a guaranteed opening.
Line 2A is separate from the San Miguelito cable car, which received its order to proceed on October 15. The cable car will connect hillside communities with the existing Line 2 at Cincuentenario station.
For Line 2A, the next concrete milestones will be completion of the studies, publication of tender documents and confirmation of how construction will be financed.
Sources: Telemetro
