The new total budget for the ten-year plan now amounts to 8.037 billion euros, a significant 21% increase from the initial 6.3 billion euros. This review follows the recent service crisis and the fatal accident in Gelida, although both administrations denied it was an immediate reaction, stating the content was finalized late last year.
“"It is an absolutely essential update of a plan that has a very clear objective, which is to structurally improve the infrastructure and achieve the standards of efficiency and quality that we deserve as a country."
The area receiving the largest funding injection is the asset replacement program, which includes preventive maintenance and network correction work. The maintenance budget is nearly doubled, rising from an initial 600 million euros to approximately 1.3 billion euros. Additionally, 34 specific actions for track renewal and replacement of key circulation equipment are included.
The Secretary of State for Transport, José Antonio Santano, highlighted advances in modernizing safety and signaling, with the installation of the ERTMS system on four sections. This system, the most modern in Europe, will not be fully operational until 'after the summer,' coinciding with the arrival of compatible new trains.
“"We have not yet passed the point of investment where there is a direct impact on the citizenry."
Finally, an additional allocation of 24 million euros will be dedicated to improving user information systems, including panels and the mobile application. Santano also reported the closure 'for safety' of the Rubí tunnel, used by freight trains, due to a crack, causing disruptions at the Port of Barcelona.
