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Spain’s Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility is unwavering in its commitment to advancing the Castilla-La Mancha railway network, with significant investments totalling EUR 400 million already in progress. This bold move forms part of the government’s broader strategy to modernise the country’s railway infrastructure, enhance connectivity, and boost regional economic growth. Minister Óscar Puente made this announcement during a meeting held on 7th April 2025, which brought together key local and regional figures. The gathering included the provincial deputy for Ciudad Real, Gonzalo Redondo; the national deputy for Ciudad Real, Cristina López Zamora; senator and mayor of Manzanares, Julián Nieva; and the mayor of Alcázar de San Juan, Rosa Melchor Quiralte. These leaders were briefed on the latest developments, and Minister Puente reassured them that the government’s commitment to the region would not waver, despite the introduction of new projects like the Montoro rail bypass. One of the key highlights of the meeting was the assurance that the Montoro bypass project would not compromise the ongoing and future improvements planned for Castilla-La Mancha’s railway system. This bypass, which is a vital component of Spain’s broader high-speed rail network, will serve as a crucial link between the Madrid-Sevilla and Madrid-Alcázar de San Juan lines. Located in the province of Córdoba, the bypass will reduce travel times between Jaén and Madrid, allowing for faster and more efficient rail services. The Montoro bypass is an integral part of Spain’s high-speed rail ambitions, which aim to significantly enhance connectivity across the country. Currently, the Ministry of Transport has mobilised EUR 455.6 million, via Adif (the Spanish railway infrastructure administrator), to improve the railway line linking Madrid to Jaén. Of this, EUR 202 million has been earmarked for Castilla-La Mancha railway projects, reflecting the region’s importance in Spain’s national transport strategy. This level of investment demonstrates the commitment to modernising the region’s infrastructure and creating a more efficient, faster, and safer railway network. Focusing on specific areas of progress, substantial improvements are being made on the stretch between Aranjuez and Alcázar de San Juan. The renewal of the track between Castillejo and Villasequilla has been completed, with EUR 8.9 million invested. In addition, advanced safety systems have been installed along the entire stretch between Aranjuez and Alcázar de San Juan, with an additional investment of EUR 22.3 million. These improvements are part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance safety and reliability across the Spanish railway system. Further investments have been allocated for the stretch between Alcázar de San Juan and Manzanares, where the renewal of the platform, tracks, and energy installations has been tendered for EUR 94.73 million. This project is expected to have a significant impact on commercial and passenger travel between Castilla-La Mancha and Madrid. Once completed, it will allow for increased train speeds on the section between Herrera de la Mancha and Manzanares, reaching 220 km/h, up from the current 140 km/h. This improvement will not only reduce journey times but also improve the overall travel experience for commuters and businesses. The Ministry of Transport has also prioritised safety on the Manzanares-Ciudad Real-Puertollano stretch of the railway. With an investment of EUR 1.8 million, works are underway to enhance the safety protections of the overhead line, which is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring the smooth operation of trains. In the second quarter of 2025, the Ministry is also set to approve a new project to adapt the simplified automatic blocking (BAB) system on the stretch between Herrera de la Mancha and Manzanares. This upgrade, for which EUR 18.5 million has been allocated, will help improve the efficiency of train operations and ensure that the system remains at the forefront of technological innovation. The Ministry is also investing in the so-called “rolling motorway” (Autopista Ferroviaria), which is designed to improve the stretch between Santa Cruz de Mudela (Ciudad Real) and Andújar (Jaén). The rolling motorway is a key element in the government’s strategy to shift more freight from road to rail, reducing congestion and emissions while enhancing the efficiency of transport networks. The Ministry of Transport has tendered a EUR 50 million project to adjust the clearance in the tunnels along the 400 line between Córdoba and Santa Cruz de Mudela. This work will ensure that the line can accommodate larger and heavier freight trains, further supporting the transition to more sustainable modes of transport. In addition to these projects, the Ministry remains fully committed to supporting both the Madrid-Alcázar de San Juan and Madrid-Manzanares rail routes. The future construction of the Montoro bypass will not lead to any reduction in the frequency of train services between Alcázar de San Juan, Manzanares, and Valdepeñas with Madrid. On the contrary, these investments will strengthen the connections between these cities and the Spanish capital, making travel more efficient for both passengers and businesses alike. Additionally, the ongoing improvements to Line 400 are expected to reduce travel times by 20 minutes, bringing benefits to commuters and further enhancing the competitiveness of the region’s transport network. Lastly, the Ministry of Transport is preparing to launch a feasibility study for the quadrupling of tracks on the stretch between Seseña and Madrid. This ambitious project aims to improve the overall operational efficiency of the railway system, increasing capacity and reducing delays. By upgrading this stretch of the railway, the Ministry seeks to improve the movement of both passengers and freight between central and southern Spain, fostering greater integration and economic development across the regions. Together, these ongoing investments and initiatives represent a significant step forward in the development of Castilla-La Mancha railway network, strengthening its role in Spain’s broader transport strategy and ensuring that the region remains well connected to the rest of the country. As these projects progress, the Ministry remains committed to providing a safe, efficient, and sustainable transport infrastructure that benefits all users, from local commuters to national businesses. |
