Spanish railways have launched an ambitious investment plan to enable high-capacity rail services for intermodal traffic along the entire almost 1,000-kilometre route from the port of Algeciras, in southern Andalusia, through Madrid and on to Zaragoza, the northern capital of Aragón. Among other measures, the plan includes the redevelopment of numerous infrastructure assets to adapt line profiles for the movement of intermodal transport without loading-gauge restrictions. Total investment is estimated at almost €700 million, with the aim of increasing rail’s modal share on both the central branch of the cross-border TEN-T Mediterranean Corridor and the Atlantic Corridor, strengthening links with Europe while also keeping in view the potential of connections with Morocco.
Within this overall plan, the Spanish rail infrastructure manager Adif has begun work on the route between Algeciras and Madrid. This involves the complete closure of the roughly 400-kilometre section between the Algeciras hub and Venta de Cárdenas until autumn 2027. The works are extensive, involving numerous upgrades to existing infrastructure, in particular 34 tunnels, 104 railway overbridges and 18 metal bridges. All these engineering structures will have to be adapted to the clearance gauge required for intermodal trains carrying standard-height semi-trailers on pocket wagons. According to the network manager, these works are incompatible with rail traffic and the line will therefore remain closed, requiring the use of alternative routes. Fortunately, in 2025 Adif completed, with an investment of €250 million, the modernisation and capacity upgrade of the 180-kilometre line between Huelva and Zafra, which may be among the routes to be considered.
The aim of Spanish railways is to increase rail’s modal share by focusing on what appears to be the fastest-growing segment: intermodal trains. The future operating model envisages direct services between Algeciras and Zaragoza, as well as dedicated services to Huelva, Seville and Cádiz, while also considering the possibility of a maritime link with Morocco, with two or three trains a day. Daily rail mileage is estimated to reach 12,000 kilometres.
Spanish railways are involved in numerous capacity enhancement projects in the central-southern Iberian region. For example, work is under way to adapt several freight yards for the crossing of 750-metre freight trains, the European standard length, while the replacement of the now obsolete signalling system on the section between Córdoba and Bobadilla has also begun, with an investment of €66 million. At the same time, Adif is carrying out the full renewal of the line between Bobadilla and Algeciras, including the complete replacement of the tracks and the expansion of sidings, together with the installation of a third electrified track, although links with the port still have to be restored after being interrupted as recently as July 2026 by the severe storms that affected the entire region.
Piermario Curti Sacchi
