Adif and the Spanish Logistics Centre sign a strategic alliance to boost rail freight transport

 

The railway infrastructure manager, Adif, as well as the Centro Español de Logística (CEL) They have formalized a two-year collaboration agreement to promote rail as a key alternative in supply chains. The alliance seeks, through dialogue with operators and shippers, to identify solutions that encourage modal shift and enhance the competitiveness of the Spanish logistics sector.

 

A framework for modal shift collaboration

 

This strategic agreement, which will be implemented through the Oficina del Comisionado del Corredor AtlánticoIt establishes a framework for cooperation in the evaluation, coordination, and implementation of projects that improve the integration of rail into business logistics. The initiative is based on direct involvement and dialogue with all stakeholders in the value chain, from railway companies and logistics operators to the end users of the freight.

 

The main objective is to design and implement solutions that facilitate a progressive modal shift From road to rail, in line with the sustainability and efficiency goals set at both national and European levels. The target is to achieve a 10% share of rail freight transport by 2030.

 

Events and working groups, key to the alliance

 

To bring this collaboration to fruition, several concrete actions will be implemented. One of the most prominent will be the organization of sector-specific events designed to create a space for dialogue and the dissemination of best practices. In this context, the following will be held: Key Players in Rail Freight Transport Forum, which will take place on November 12th as part of the fair Logistics & Automation.

 

This forum will feature the participation of the main national and international representatives of the sector, and will serve as a platform for debate to raise awareness among freight decision-makers about the operational and competitive advantages of multimodality.

 

Additionally, CEL and Oficina del Comisionado del Corredor Atlántico They have formed a working group, in collaboration with the Plataforma Tecnológica Ferroviaria Española (PTFE)This group, comprised of operators, shippers, and supply chain managers from various sectors, will be responsible for analyzing the levers of action needed to promote the use of rail. Their work will culminate in an annual strategic report that will define the operational keys for its integration, the conclusions of which will be presented at the aforementioned forum.

 

Key milestones of the Adif-CEL collaboration

Key Initiative	Objective / Date
Key Players in Rail Freight Transport Forum	November 12, 2026 (in Logistics & Automation)
Rail freight transport quota	Reach 10% by 2030

 

Institutional voices

 

According to Pedro Marco de la Peña, President of AdifThe agreement is an engine of sectoral transformation: «This alliance with the CEL reinforces the commitment of Adif by making rail the backbone of competitive and sustainable logistics. Our priority is to put infrastructure at the service of business competitiveness, actively listening to their operational needs to facilitate the development of intermodal solutions that drive decarbonization and efficient connectivity of our supply chains, thus meeting the goal of achieving a 10% rail freight share by 2030.«.

 

For its part, Ramón García, CEO of Centro Español de Logística (CEL), has stressed that “This agreement marks a significant step towards a more balanced modal share, where rail plays a role commensurate with the current and future needs of supply chains. We are talking about working on the structural changes that must be made, taking into account the current context that is putting pressure on other modes of transport.". García He added that “network CELBeing diverse and representative of the entire supply chain allows us to promote concrete initiatives—such as the working group—and, at the same time, act as a solid interlocutor to connect railway planning with the actual needs and operations of companies.".

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about the Adif-CEL alliance

How does this alliance affect my exporting/importing company?

For companies with international operations, this alliance aims to generate more efficient, sustainable, and potentially more economical logistics solutions in the medium term. Promoting rail-road intermodality can translate into new routes, greater capacity for large cargo volumes, and a reduced carbon footprint—an increasingly valued factor in global supply chains (ESG).

What does "modal shift" mean and why is it strategic for Spain?

Modal shift is the process of transferring freight flows from one mode of transport to another, in this case, from road to rail. It is strategic for Spain because it reduces road congestion, lowers CO2 emissions from the transport sector, and improves supply chain resilience by diversifying beyond a single mode. Furthermore, it aligns with the guidelines of the European Green Deal.

What concrete measures are expected from this working group?

The working group is expected to produce an annual report with concrete operational proposals. These could include identifying infrastructure bottlenecks, proposing new rail services tailored to the needs of specific sectors (automotive, consumer goods, etc.), improving digitalization and traceability in intermodal transport, and defining standards to facilitate the connection between first/last mile road transport and long-haul rail journeys.