Six stations on Algiers metro line 1 shut after fault

Six stations on Line 1 of the Algiers metro were closed on Sunday, 1 November, after a technical fault, according to Algérie 360.

The fault hit a central section of the network. The stations of Mer et Soleil, Amirouche, Les Fusillés, Jardin d'Essai, Hamma and Aïssat Idir are closed until further notice.

The Algiers Metro Operating Company (SEMA) said in a notice to passengers that the stretch linking the south-east of the capital with the city centre is temporarily cut off.

The section between Amirouche and Haï El Badr had already seen night works on its tracks in September, during the last phase of a large renovation project.

Unlike those works, this stoppage was not planned. Repair teams were sent to find the cause and restore the line as quickly as possible.

The company gave no date for a return to normal.

Some trains still run between 1er Mai station and Place des Martyrs, which keeps access to the city centre from that part of the line, according to Métro d'Alger.

Two other services leave from Haï El Badr, one for El Harrach and one for Aïn Naâdja. In the summer, Haï El Badr was also the point where passengers had to change trains during a maintenance programme.

Passengers need to plan their journeys around these three services and avoid closed entrances. The operator advises them to follow announcements and station signs, as the arrangements may change during the day.

The operator apologised to passengers for the disruption and thanked them for their patience.