In June 2024, users of the Paris and Île-de-France public transport networks witnessed the extension of Line 14; the first phase of the Grand Paris Express, this public transport network project led by the Société des Grands Projets. In total, four new lines will thus come to light beneath the Parisian and Île-de-France underground between late 2026 and 2031. But then, where do the works stand? And what are the new deadlines planned, following the various delays announced on Line 15 South as well as on Line 18?
On the construction site, "all lines of the Grand Paris Express are under construction," reads the Grand Paris Express site. "Civil engineering work has begun on the eastern and western portions of Line 15, i.e. between Pont de Sèvres and Saint-Denis - Pleyel and between Saint-Denis - Pleyel and Champigny Centre. Development and equipment work are underway, just as testing is, on Lines 16, 17 and 18 as well as on the southern section of Line 15, between Pont de Sèvres and Noisy - Champs," is it further explained.
What about the service start dates? If we refer to the provisional schedule, also available on the Grand Paris Express site, then the first of the four new lines to be inaugurated will be the Line 18. But only an initial stretch will be accessible to users, namely the segment between Massy-Palaiseau and Christ de Saclay stations. While a start date of October 1, 2026 had been floated, the first section of Line 18 is expected to welcome its first passengers from November 30.
Then, in autumn 2027, the South Line 15 should be up and running between Pont de Sèvres and Noisy – Champs. But prospective riders are weighing the delays, given the many setbacks. Initially slated to open by the end of 2025, Line 15 South’s launch was subsequently postponed to summer 2026, then to late 2026 and finally to April 2027. The new timetable now points to a fall 2027 inauguration. With this new deadline, further delays on Lines 16 and 17 loomed as a possibility. For the moment, the segment from Saint-Denis - Pleyel to Clichy - Montfermeil on Line 16 is planned for 2027. The same year, the section from Saint-Denis - Pleyel to Le Bourget Aéroport on Line 17 is also slated to come online. As for Line 18, it should welcome its first passengers from Massy - Palaiseau to Orly Airport in 2027 as well.
In 2028, two openings are planned: the segment linking Clichy-Montfermeil with Noisy-Champs on line 16 and the segment linking Le Bourget Airport with Parc des Expositions on line 17.
Two years from now, the Grand Paris Express will expand with the start of service on Line 17, the segment between Parc des Expositions and Le Mesnil-Amelot via Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport, followed by Line 18, from the stretch between Saclay and Versailles-Chantiers.
Finally, the Grand Paris Express network is slated to be completed in 2031 with the opening of the segment between Pont de Sèvres and Saint-Denis - Pleyel, and between Saint-Denis - Pleyel and Champigny Centre, on the line 15.
Official website
www.societedesgrandsprojets.fr
