As the Minister of Public Works stated yesterday during the Senate plenary session, where she noted that more than 40 million passengers use this infrastructure
The Minister of Public Works, Ana Pastor, emphasized yesterday during the Senate plenary session that her ministry will allocate 5 billion euros to the Mediterranean Corridor during this legislative session. Pastor noted that the Mediterranean Corridor is used by more than 40 million travelers each year—28 million specifically via the Central Corridor—and that nearly 32 million metric tons of cargo are transported annually, 14 million of which travel via the Central Corridor.
In response to a question during the Senate plenary session regarding the development of the Central Axis in the Mediterranean Corridor, the Minister of Public Works noted that, thanks to these contributions, work has begun on the Bobadilla-Algeciras section, where projects are already underway to renovate and improve the line and its facilities.
The minister noted that, with budgetary allocations and funding for the coming years, improvements to the Central Corridor—from Algeciras to Córdoba and Madrid—will continue.
Pastor also noted that last January, a plan was presented that includes projects totaling more than 340 million euros. In addition, work is already underway to renovate and upgrade safety infrastructure in the San Roque area; in November 2014, a bid was issued for track renovation work on the Almoraima-Algeciras route; and in April, a bid will be issued for safety infrastructure work between Gaucín and Algeciras.
Community Funds
During her remarks, the minister noted that European funds totaling one billion euros have been allocated for the 2014–2020 period, of which 852.4 million will go to Andalusia and 162.3 million to Castilla-La Mancha. These funds will enable investments in rail infrastructure totaling nearly 2,400 million euros—1,888.3 million euros for Andalusia and 502.1 million for Castilla-La Mancha.
This will allow for projects such as track improvements and safety upgrades on various sections of the conventional Madrid-Córdoba-Algeciras route, including Algeciras – San Pablo de Buceite, Ronda – Linares, Vadollano – Herrera de la Mancha, and Villasequilla – Castillejo. In addition, projects such as the electrification between Algeciras and Bobadilla, the installation of ERTMS between Alcázar and Santa Cruz de Mudela, and the adaptation of sidings to accommodate 750-meter trains can be undertaken.
