New Mediterranean Corridor Train to Connect Europe, Excludes Major Spanish Resort
The European Union ministers have given the green light to the much-anticipated ‘Mediterranean Corridor’ train project. This ambitious rail initiative will connect various locations across Europe, including eastern Spain and Ukraine. However, the popular Spanish resort of Malaga, a favorite among expats and holidaymakers, has been left out of the route.
Route Details of the Mediterranean Corridor Train
The proposed train line will trace the coast from Catalonia to Almeria, before heading north to Granada. From there, it will link up with Antequera and then loop back down to Algeciras. Despite Malaga’s population of over 593,000 and its burgeoning tourism and technology sectors, the city has been overlooked in the plans. Marbella, the only Spanish city with a population exceeding 100,000 and without a train line, has also been omitted.
History and Scope of the Mediterranean Corridor Project
The Mediterranean Corridor project was initially approved in 2011 and now encompasses at least 10 countries. The recent addition of Ukraine to the project makes this corridor the only rail line that spans the entirety of Eastern and Western Europe. The project is a blend of a Spanish initiative to connect coastal areas and a European plan to establish a ‘core’ transport network across the continent.
Project Deadlines and Route Specifications
The project has three deadlines: 2030 for the basic network, 2040 for the ‘extended core network’, and 2050 for a ‘global network’. Once completed, the rail line will span nearly 120,000 kilometers. As per recent agreements, passenger trains will travel at a speed of 160 km/ph, enabling border crossings in as little as 25 minutes.
Progress on the Spanish Section of the Route
Work on the Spanish section of the route, which includes Catalonia, Valencia, and Andalucia, has been ongoing since 2018. While the new modifications have been agreed upon by ministers, they still need to be formally ratified in the European parliament.
Comments from the Spanish Minister of Transport
Oscar Puente, the Spanish Minister of Transport, hailed the agreement as a significant step towards improved and sustainable connectivity in Europe. He believes that it will greatly enhance EU cohesion and stimulate growth and employment.
Other Rail Developments in Spain
This development comes as Spain and France are also discussing the deadline for a new high-speed rail network between the two countries. Other recent rail developments in Spain include the launch of a high-speed link between Madrid and Asturias after a 13-year delay and a €4bn investment.
