Overview
- The Universidad de Granada presented a new report led by catedrático Andrés Navarro that disputes the Ministry of Transport’s 2017 conclusion that the Guadix–Baza–Lorca corridor is not viable.
- The university says the 2017 study used obsolete data, lacked passenger and freight demand surveys, and applied different criteria than for other similar corridors, which together led to underestimated revenues and overstated barriers.
- The report quantifies environmental and modal benefits, citing per‑tonne‑km savings versus road transport and arguing that a functioning rail link would cut fuel and maintenance costs while reducing emissions.
- Backed by the Diputación de Granada, the university is requesting a new, comprehensive viability study that combines financial analysis with socio‑economic and environmental measures to reassess policy choices.
- If the government commissions a reassessment the review could reopen debate over a line closed in 1984 and shape regional efforts to improve access, fight depopulation and align transport choices with EU guidance on corridors.