FAST TRAINS

ANTONIO SANZ, Minister for the Presidency announced on Thursday July 20 that a collaboration has been signed to create the underground structure for the AVE to bring the high­speed train service to Almeria.

The Junta de Andalucia has signed an agreement with the Railway Infrastructure Administrator (ADIF) and the Almeria City Council for underground works on the railway line that will create better and faster rail connections to Almeria. This new agreement means tripling the investment by the Andalucian Government initially stated in the first agreement, raising the cost from €18 to 45.8 million. This investment covers 20 per cent of the cost of the phase two, estimated at €234.77 million, on top of the €2.57 million contributed for the first phase.

The second phase aims to improve the urban integration of the railway line in the city centre in preparation for the arrival of future AVE trains. The works will include the development of underground infrastructure, the remodelling of the station, with tracks and platforms on the surface to ensure it is ready for the new High ­ Speed traffic. A new bus station will also be con­ structed in anticipation of increased traffic.

Though plans have been in the works since last March, the green light has been given to sign the agreement and begin execution for the works after legal and administrative issues were resolved.

The arrival of the highspeed AVE train to Almeria will transform the city, making it more accessible and sustainable, connecting Almeria to the rest of Spain’s national high­speed railway network and bringing more visitors to the region.