Spain has authorised Bobadilla–Algeciras line upgrades worth more than EUR 72.4m. The funding covers new works on the conventional railway line. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Spanish Cabinet Greenlights €72.4 Million Bobadilla-Algeciras Railway Overhaul
Photo: MITMA

The decision continues the modernisation of a freight route. It links the southern Port of Algeciras with the wider national rail network.

The Council of Ministers’ approval covers two packages to be delivered through Adif. EUR 52.2m will go to electrification on the 106 km Ronda–Algeciras section. Meanwhile, EUR 20.2m is allocated for infrastructure and track upgrades between Bobadilla and Ronda.

Ronda–Algeciras electrification and Bobadilla–Ronda works

The Ronda–Algeciras contract covers a 2×25 kV AC 50 Hz overhead electrification system. Also, it includes related power and telecommunications works. Adif said the project will increase line capacity. In addition, Adif said the works will improve operational reliability. Adif also said they will prepare the route for future integration into the Mediterranean Corridor.

The Bobadilla–Ronda package includes track renewal and drainage improvements. Also, it includes ballast retaining walls and adaptations to bridges and overpasses. These adaptations are required for future electrification. Also, the works cover kilometre points 20 to 26.5. They have a planned execution period of 13 months.

Adif said more than EUR 514m has already been mobilised. The amount supports the broader modernisation of the 176 km Bobadilla–Algeciras route. The programme includes full electrification and track renewal. It also includes siding extensions and GSM-R deployment. In addition, it includes loading-gauge adaptation works in 21 tunnels. Those works will accommodate semi-trailers used by the Algeciras–Zaragoza semitrailers by rail service.

Separately, other corridor contracts cover the Marchenilla traction substation. They include a construction and maintenance tender for that facility. Also, design works have been awarded for the Ronda traction substation. That substation will serve the Bobadilla–Ronda section.

Bobadilla–Algeciras line upgrades in the Atlantic Corridor

The Bobadilla–Algeciras railway forms part of both the Atlantic and Mediterranean Corridors. At the same time, it provides rail access to the Port of Algeciras Bay, Spain’s largest port.

The Spain’s Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility said tenders reached EUR 3.123bn in 2025. They concerned Atlantic Corridor rail infrastructure. Meanwhile, a further EUR 1bn was launched in the first five months of 2026. In addition, railway tenders increased by 122% compared with 2024.

One of the largest current Atlantic Corridor projects is the future Burgos–Vitoria high-speed line. Also, EUR 789.2m in tenders has already been launched this year. The tenders cover three sections of the route. Separately, other schemes are also advancing. They include the Basque Y high-speed network and high-speed rail projects in Extremadura. They also include the Toledo–Talavera–Talayuela line and the Seville–Huelva corridor.

The Spanish government plans to invest EUR 12bn in the Atlantic Corridor over the next five years.

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