Copenhagen’s Driverless Metro Gets a Major Overhaul: M1/M2 Lines Set for Full Modernization

7:00 pm UTC June 4, 2025 Jun 4, 2025 | by: COWI | Transport

(Photo by: COWI)

Two decades after launching Copenhagen’s first driverless metro system, the M1 and M2 lines are set for a comprehensive modernization. Metroselskabet has commissioned an advisory consortium—comprising COWI, WSP, Egis, and several subconsultants—to oversee the replacement of signalling systems and trains while keeping the metro operational.

Copenhagen’s M1 and M2 metro lines, among Europe's earliest fully automated transit systems, are entering a significant new phase of technical transformation. The planned upgrades will see both the driverless rolling stock and signalling systems replaced to meet next-generation standards without halting commuter service.

The project, managed by Metroselskabet, brings together a consortium led by engineering firms COWI, WSP, and Egis, supported by specialists including Strides, Nordic Signal, and Implement. This international team will coordinate the complex transition while maintaining full service on both lines, a task requiring precise phasing, real-time systems integration, and robust redundancy strategies.

Continuous Operation During System Replacement

One of the project's defining challenges is executing high-impact upgrades without suspending metro operations. This requires a tightly synchronized migration strategy involving parallel system installation, extensive simulation testing, and live cutovers during minimal-impact time windows.

Advanced signalling technology—likely incorporating CBTC (Communications-Based Train Control) or its successor—is expected to increase service efficiency, reduce headways, and allow more flexible operations. The new trainsets will be tailored for automation from the ground up, featuring updated control systems, real-time diagnostics, and improved passenger accessibility.

Pietro Zingarelli, Project Director at COWI, emphasizes the team’s approach:

“In a strong joint venture with WSP and Egis, we will draw on our extensive experiences from similar metro systems in Singapore, Lyon, Lille and Paris to ensure a seamless passenger experience while transitioning to modern trains and systems.”

A Global Template for Legacy System Transformation

According to Jesper Asferg, Executive Business Development Director at COWI, the strategic importance of the M1/M2 upgrade extends well beyond Denmark.

“Many mass transit systems across the globe will need similar transformations, and this project is a testament to our combined competencies and experiences to support big cities worldwide in their endeavours to make fast, safe and efficient public transportation.”

The complexity of this transformation—balancing active service delivery with system-wide infrastructure replacement—may set a global precedent for other cities operating aging automated metro lines.

Carsten Heine Lund, Senior Vice President of Transportation in Business Line Denmark, noted:

“It’s the heart of the metro and a challenge that will leverage our competencies and expertise for the future.”

Rasmus Walter, Director of Transportation and Infrastructure with WSP, added:

“It’s an important task for WSP Denmark, which lets us combine our global expertise with our local presence.”

This project underscores the importance of technical resilience in metro operations and reinforces the growing need for urban infrastructure to evolve without interrupting daily life.