Milan-Monza Metro M5 Extension: Tender Launched for €1.9 Billion Project
Milan, June 26 – MM spa, the contracting authority appointed by the Municipality of Milan, has officially launched the tender for the extension of the M5 metro line from Milan to Monza. The ambitious project, valued at an estimated 1.9 billion euros, marks a significant step towards enhancing regional connectivity and is expected to be a major boost for the local economy. The announcement was made yesterday, June 25, 2026, with applications for the tender open until September 15.
The current M5 line, also known as the Lilac Line, currently terminates at Bignami to the north, on the border between Milan and Sesto San Giovanni. Upon completion, the extended M5 will span 28 kilometers and feature 19 stations. The new section will add 12.6 kilometers of track and 11 new stations, serving the municipalities of Cinisello Balsamo, Sesto San Giovanni, and Monza. The southern terminus of the line will remain San Siro Stadio.
A Landmark Project for Two Provinces
Paolo Pilotto, the Mayor of Monza, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “From today, anyone can consult the public tender documents online, which will bring seven M5 stops to Monza. This infrastructure will, for the first time, unite two Italian provinces in a homogeneous territory among the most populated and productive in the country.” The contract duration is set for 2,646 days, equivalent to seven years and three months, indicating the scale and complexity of the undertaking.
Arianna Censi, Councillor for Mobility, and Marco Granelli, Councillor for Public Works, both from the Municipality of Milan, highlighted the broader benefits of the metro extension. They stated, “Metropolitan lines shorten distances and are a driving force for the economy of the territories. Above all, however, they facilitate the lives of citizens and lighten roads from private traffic. For this reason, the extension of the M5, which will be the longest automated Italian line and will touch four municipalities, and for the first time in Italy two provincial capitals, represents a fundamental strengthening.”
Milan’s Expanding Metro Network
This M5 extension is the second major metro line expansion project for MM spa. In 2025, the company awarded a contract to the Eteria Consortium for the extension of the M1 (Red Line) to the Baggio district. This M1 project involves extending the line beyond its current Bisceglie terminus in western Milan, adding three new stations (Parri-Valsesia, Baggio, and Olmi) and 3.3 kilometers of underground track. The primary contract for the M1 extension is valued at approximately 360 million euros, with the potential to exceed 540 million euros including optional interventions.
Currently, Milan’s metropolitan network boasts nearly 112 kilometers of track distributed across five lines and 134 stations. These ongoing expansion projects underscore Milan’s commitment to developing a comprehensive and efficient public transport system to meet the growing demands of its population and surrounding areas. The M5 extension is particularly significant as it will connect two provincial capitals, fostering greater integration and accessibility within the Lombardy region.
The tender documents are now publicly accessible online, inviting qualified entities to submit their proposals for this transformative infrastructure project. The successful bidder will be responsible for the design and construction of the new metro section, which promises to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce commuting times, and stimulate economic growth in the affected municipalities.
The project is expected to generate numerous employment opportunities during its construction phase and contribute to the long-term sustainable development of the region. Local businesses and residents are eagerly anticipating the positive impact of improved public transportation on their daily lives and economic prospects.
The extension of the M5 line is a testament to Milan’s forward-thinking urban planning and its dedication to creating a modern, well-connected metropolis. It also reflects a broader trend in Italian urban development towards investing in sustainable and efficient public transport solutions.
Sources: Milano Finanza, MM spa, Municipality of Milan, Municipality of Monza
