Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, said: “This key transport infrastructure will have a positive impact on the entire region, and beyond. It will make life easier, safer and increase opportunity for passengers and businesses alike. By reducing emissions, it will help the EU reach its goal of a greener, more sustainable future for all.”

This new line long almost 149 km will further improve the connection of the Mediterranean Corridor of the Trans-European Transport Network making long-distance passenger services faster, frequent and reliable, while overall optimising rail operations. The whole line will be electrified and equipped with a European Rail Traffic Management System level 2 signalling system, and safety technology. The railway is designed to accommodate passenger trains of up to 400 m and freight trains of up to 750 m in length. Passenger trains will be able to travel at over 250 km/h and freight trains up to 100 km/h. Finally, the use of the standard gauge throughout the corridor will ensure interoperability and eliminate bottlenecks caused by the need to transfer freight between trains at the Spanish French border.

Further works on the tracks, the electrification and the signalling system are planned to be co-financed in the 2021-2027 period.

More on EU-funded projects in Spain here.