Particle.news
Download on the App Store
6 ARTICLES
·
1h ago

Spain Plans 350 km/h AVE Upgrades to Cut Madrid–Barcelona to Under Two Hours

The transport minister placed the rollout within a €60 billion four‑year program, with initial works on the corridor slated to begin soon.

El ministro de Transportes, Óscar Puente participa en un desayuno informativo celebrado este lunes en Madrid.
El ministro de Transportes, Óscar Puente, avanza que el plan comenzará en la línea Madrid-Barcelona.
Image
Image

Overview

  • Transport Minister Óscar Puente announced an official plan to lift AVE operating speeds from 300 km/h to 350 km/h, beginning on the Madrid–Barcelona route.
  • The upgrade centers on installing aerodynamic sleepers that the ministry says reduce aerodynamic load by 21% and enable about a 12% increase in effective speed.
  • The government projects the Madrid–Barcelona journey time will drop to under two hours once the enhancements are implemented.
  • The proposal includes a direct Chamartín–Barcelona connection bypassing Atocha and a new high‑speed station in Parla to allow Andalusia–Barcelona transfers outside central Madrid.
  • Puente tied the rail push to a broader €60 billion transport investment over four years and indicated related access improvements, including La Sagrera and airport links, will move to studies and tenders shortly.