According to the Spanish Ministry of Development's draft budget, investment in new rolling stock as well as the infrastructure of the national network is set to total EUR 10.2 billion in 2010.
Appearing before a parliamentary committee on October 6th 2009, Mr Concepción Gutiérrez secretary of state for transport said that the ministry was planning to spend a record total of EUR 20 billion in 2010 with the twin aims of providing an economic stimulus and promoting sustainable development.
Investment in rail infrastructure totals EUR 8.9 million, with 71% earmarked for the high speed network which is due to grow by 513 kilometers in 2010. Routes from Madrid to north and northwestern Spain, including the Basque Y, are to receive EUR 2.15 billion, while EUR 1.8 billion has been allocated to the route to Valencia, Alicante and Murcia. 2010 should see the opening of the Madrid - Cuenca - Valencia route, which according to Development Minister Mr Jose Blanco will reduce CO2 emissions by 80,000 tonnes a year.
RENFE's EUR 1.3 billion rolling stock investment program for 2010 makes provision for equipping the new route, as well as bringing into service 115 train sets for suburban and medium distance services. Under a program to acquire 100 locomotives for the freight business in 2009-10, a total of 55 are due to be put into service next year.
From 2010 high speed services to Valencia will terminate at a temporary facility now nearing completion. Comprehensive remodeling of the rail network includes construction of a station beneath the existing terminus, with two 1,435 mm and four 1,668 mm gauge tracks on a new north-south through route under the city.
(Sourced from www.railwaygazette.com)
