Politics · Spain · 1 hr ago
Illa and Catalan business group oppose closing Madrid-Barcelona AVE
Catalan leader Salvador Illa opposes closing the Madrid-Barcelona high-speed rail line during planned maintenance.
Transport Minister Óscar Puente has said he is considering a full shutdown as one way to carry out infrastructure works after a recent fatal rail accident.
Illa says the work should maintain safety while limiting disruption to passengers.
Catalan business group Foment also opposes closing the route.
Major renovation work is due to begin late this year or early in 2027, with priority work planned between Madrid and Calatayud.
The accident is under investigation, and Illa has said early indications point to human error, while stressing that conclusions should wait for the inquiry.
The government must decide how to carry out the works, and Illa says safety should be assessed case by case with expert advice.
Salvador Illa said Madrid-Barcelona high-speed trains should keep running during planned infrastructure works if safety can be maintained.
He said the work should meet the highest safety standards while affecting services as little as possible.
Transport Minister Óscar Puente had raised the possibility of changing how works are carried out, including a possible interruption to service.
A full renovation of the Madrid-Zaragoza-Barcelona line is expected to begin late this year or early in 2027.
Catalan business group Foment also opposes closing the Madrid-Barcelona section, according to El Mundo.
- Who
- Salvador Illa, president of the Generalitat of Catalonia, supports keeping the trains running. Foment also opposes closing the line.
- What
- Illa backs carrying out infrastructure works while maintaining Madrid-Barcelona high-speed train services as much as possible.
- When
- Illa stated his position on November 2, 2026. The works are expected to begin late in 2026 or early in 2027.
- Where
- The Madrid-Barcelona high-speed rail line, part of the Madrid-Zaragoza-Barcelona route.
- Why
- Illa says works should meet the highest safety standards while affecting service as little as possible.
Salvador Illa
Óscar Puente
Approach to works
Salvador Illa
Illa supports keeping the line operating during works if safety can be maintained, with minimal disruption.
Óscar Puente
Puente raised the possibility of changing how works are carried out, including interrupting service.
Óscar Puente raised the possibility of interrupting Madrid-Barcelona services to carry out necessary checks and works.
Salvador Illa said he favoured maintaining the line during works, with safety as the priority and minimal impact on service.
Comprehensive renovation works on the Madrid-Zaragoza-Barcelona high-speed line are expected to begin.
- Route
- Madrid-Zaragoza-Barcelona high-speed line
- Works start
- Expected late 2026 or early 2027
- Priority works
- Madrid-Calatayud section
- Illa's position
- Keep services running where possible while maintaining maximum safety
- Foment's position
- Opposes closing the Madrid-Barcelona section
3 sources
What people are saying
If safety can be maintained, it is the preferable option. I think that is what everyone would want.
Infrastructure must be renewed when the time comes, always with the highest safety standards and affecting service as little as possible, as has been done until now.