Overview
- The Consell Executiu approved tasking public firm IFERCAT to refresh the long‑stalled Eix Transversal Ferroviari studies with a multi‑year €5.46 million assignment.
- The update targets delivery of an updated technical dossier in roughly 18 months around 2027, followed by drafting of construction projects in 2028–2029 and completion of those designs by 2030, short of a construction start.
- The proposed international‑gauge corridor spans about 254 km, linking Lleida with Girona through inland Catalonia, with a branch toward Martorell and Barcelona, and is conceived for passenger speeds up to 250 km/h and freight up to 150 km/h.
- The Generalitat cites rising freight from Mediterranean Corridor gauge changes and Ebro corridor upgrades as reasons to create alternative capacity, relieve bottlenecks in areas such as Penedès and Vallès, and strengthen inland connectivity beyond the Barcelona‑centric network.
- Regional officials say the plan will be coordinated with national rail strategy, noting differences with the Ministry’s 350 km/h high‑speed concept, management of any future line remains undecided, and the step comes as authorities address ongoing Rodalies service issues including talks with RENFE on extending free fares.