EU Requested to Fund €2 Billion for Costa del Sol Railway Extension
The European Union is being petitioned for a substantial €2 billion to extend the coastal railway of Costa del Sol to Algeciras in Cadiz. The expansion of the line, which currently runs from Malaga to Fuengirola, has been a long-standing request. However, despite numerous feasibility studies and plans, the project has been continually delayed due to lack of funding.
Spanish Government Seeks Proposals for EU Recovery Plan
In line with the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan of the EU, the Spanish Government has requested proposals from the autonomous communities that qualify for Next Generation funds. The Junta has responded with 241 different initiatives that could be implemented in Andalucia. The extension of the Costa railway is a standout proposal as the Junta seeks a total of €43.2 billion from the EU fund.
Junta Proposes High-Speed Train Adaptation
The Junta is not only proposing to extend the line to Algeciras, where it would connect with the route to Sevilla, but also considering the adaptation of the line for high-speed trains. Current plans to expand the high-speed network with a link between Almeria and Algeciras as part of the European ‘Mediterranean Corridor’ express line run inland. The decision now lies with the central government on which schemes to support with the EU funding.
Previous Calls for Railway Expansion
The Costa del Sol railway from Malaga to Estepona has previously been identified as a priority in a massive infrastructure investment plan for Spain. Marbella and Estepona have demanded action on the railway connecting Costa del Sol. The Junta vice president has stated that there is no delay in the project. In addition, Spain’s Malaga-Madrid AVE has recently started a dog-friendly service.
