Spain leads the world in high-speed rail, a successful exportable model.

 

Spain has reconfirmed its position as a global leader in the development of high-speed rail infrastructure during the high-level European summit being held in Madrid.

 

President of Adif, Pedro Marco, highlighted at the inauguration that Spain is the second country in the world, and the first in Europe"Spain has the most efficient high-speed rail network in Europe, with an exportable and sustainable model, which positions us as a key benchmark and a strategic asset for the expansion of high speed in the different corridors of the trans-European network," Marco stated.

 

One of the most relevant data presented at the summit comes from the report of Ineco Regarding the "Efficiency of the Spanish Sector in the Development of High-Speed ​​Rail," this report reveals that the average construction cost in Spain is €17,7 million per kilometer, significantly lower than the international average of €45,5 million per kilometer. Furthermore, the annual maintenance cost per kilometer is only €100.700, less than 0,5% of the initial investment cost. These figures underscore the exceptional efficiency of the Spanish model.

 

Europe sees Spain as a strategic asset in high-speed rail for the development of the trans-European transport network and its corridors.

 

 

These factors are compounded by the high technical standards of the Spanish network, with speeds of up to 350 km/h, double track, and a new platform, consolidating its reputation for excellence.

 

The report of Ineco It identifies five pillars that support Spanish competitiveness in this sector: direct economic factors, social and political consensus, structured public support, and the standardization of construction processes and elements.

 

Furthermore, the capacity of the business sector and its own technological development have been crucial. The Spanish railway network has the largest implementation of the ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) in the world, with more than 2.700 kilometers in operation. This proven and efficient model has proven to be exportable and adaptable to new markets, as evidenced by successful projects in Saudi Arabia, Mexico, India or the United Kingdom.

 

José Antonio Sebastian, Commissioner of the Atlantic CorridorHe emphasized that "Europe views Spain as a strategic asset in high-speed rail and a leading model of efficiency, sustainability, and international collaboration for the development of the trans-European transport network and its corridors." He added that Spain's leadership "is not limited to the construction phase, but encompasses the entire infrastructure lifecycle."