It is reported that the management board of BVG, the Berlin transport operator, approved the planned construction of U5 metro line extension.

The 2.2 kilometers long extension will go from Alexanderplatz to Brandenburger Tor. Works should be finished in 2017.

The EUR 433 million worth project will integrate the U5 line with recently opened U55 line operating between Brandenburger Tor and Hauptbahnhof. The line U55 is 1.8 kilometers long and has 3 stations. The whole journey's time is approximately 3 minutes.

According to media reports, U55 line, which was opened on August 8th 2009, is less popular than was previously expected with 5000 passengers daily.

(Sourced from www.railwaymarket.eu)