After thorough analyses of the possibility of completing and optimising the outstanding M3 line works and keeping the opening date in the original schedule, it is now clear that the M3 line opening will have to be postponed two months to the end of September.

The delay is due to the contractor's failure to reach the so-called RHO (Ready For Handover) milestone, which should have been achieved by the end of March. Among other things, this means that a large number of tests, which are crucial for the safety authorisation of the system, are still outstanding. This delays test operation and the work for the assessor and the Danish Transport, Construction and Housing Authority.

Metroselskabet has spent the recent time analysing the situation, trying to optimise the work and making a new schedule together with the contractors CMT and Hitachi Rail STS.

‘As we announced in April, we have now conducted a thorough review and analysis of the outstanding issues on the project. Although - in the big picture - there are minor things missing, it has unfortunately turned out to be too much to realistically catch up with the delayed work. Therefore, we have to move the opening of the M3 line to the end of September’, says Henrik Plougmann Olsen, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Metroselskabet.

With just a few months to go, it still requires a major effort from all parties to finish on time so that Metro passengers can enjoy a brand new Metro system with 17 new stations in the capital as soon as possible.

‘Together with the contractors, we have drawn up an updated and realistic timetable that means the M3 line can open at the end of September. Of course, this requires all parties to deliver an efficient and coordinated effort to ensure a qualified basis for obtaining the final safety approval. We are fully focused on getting the M3 line ready for the many customers who are waiting and looking forward to using the new metro system,’ says Henrik Plougmann Olsen.

The financial consequences of the delay amount to approximately DKK 165 million net, which will be financed by Metroselskabet. The cost is due to, among other things, lost passenger revenue and extended trial operation. The amount corresponds to an increase in the construction budget of 0.5 per cent. Overall, the M3 line costs have thus increased by 10.5 per cent since the owner-approved contract was signed in January 2011.

The Company is handling the cost itself, and therefore there is no need for contributions from the Company's owners. The Company will seek to recover its additional costs due to the delay from the contractor CMT.