Innovative Plan for New Train Line from Malaga to Marbella
A local group, Plataforma Infraestructuras Malaga, comprising engineers, railway experts, and regular train passengers, has proposed an innovative plan to establish a new train line from Malaga to Marbella through the Guadalhorce valley. This proposal emerged from an extensive study aimed at enhancing communication along the Costa del Sol, given the limitations of the existing C1 local service that only operates between Malaga and Fuengirola.
Ambitious Goals for the New Train Line
The group has outlined ambitious goals for the project. One of these is to ensure a maximum journey time of 45-50 minutes between Malaga and Marbella, to compete with rideshare services on the coast. The group also aims to serve the maximum population possible, potentially with a high-speed train service. This service would not only reach Marbella but also serve San Pedro, Las Lagunas (Mijas), Alhaurín de la Torre, Coín, and Alhaurín el Grande.
Proposed Routes for the New Service
Several alternatives for the new service, dubbed Cercanías C-3, have been identified. One route would pass Alhaurín de la Torre, continue to Coín, Monda, and along the A-355 road to Ojén, and Marbella. This proposal would be cost-effective as most of the track would be built at ground level, with the only underground section being in the foothills of the Sierra de las Nieves.
Benefits of the New Rail Service
The new rail service would enhance the connection of Guadalhorce municipalities to the coast, particularly popular car routes such as Coín-Marbella and Alhaurín el Grande-Fuengirola. However, the main challenge would be the section between Monda and Ojén, which would require the construction of a tunnel.
Driving Forces Behind the Project
The project is spearheaded by industrial engineer Jesús Martín, founder of Plataforma Infraestructuras Málaga, public works engineer Vicente Jordá, and Pablo Marín, a business studies graduate and a train driver on the Malaga Cercanías commuter train service.
Potential for Suburban and High-Speed Trains
The proposal suggests that from Malaga Airport to Marbella, one could potentially reach the Costa del Sol resort in just 30 minutes at an average speed of 160 km/h. The new route proposed suggests just eight stations, covering a larger catchment area at the same or even lower cost than extending the current C-1 line.
Environmental Impact of the Proposal
The proposal would have to overcome serious environmental impact requirements due to its proximity to the Sierra de las Nieves, in addition to the technical complexity. However, if these challenges can be resolved, it is a very good alternative as it has fewer kilometres and avoids passing along much of the coast.
Proposal Shared with Key Stakeholders
The group’s proposal is being shared among the main institutions in the area, resident and business associations of the Costa del Sol and Guadalhorce valley, professional associations, town councils, and political parties. The group will also pitch it to the Junta de Andalucía and the central government in Madrid, who would ultimately be responsible for funding the majority of the works.
