Japan to help build Panama metro line

Japan and Panama will sign a deal in April to expand Central America’s only metro system located in Panama City, authorities announced Sunday.

“The President of Panama, Juan Carlos Varela, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will lead the signing of the contract to build the Panama City metro’s Line 3 on April 18 in Tokyo,” the Panamanian president’s office said in a statement.

The new line, all above ground, will cross the Panama Canal and have 14 stations as it makes its way to the Panama Oeste province just west of the capital, the statement said.

Due to be completed in 2022, the line is expected to cost $2 billion and stretch some 27 kilometers (17 miles).