Spain still setting the pace for high-speed

摘要

Despite Spain's economic woes, the country's love affair with high-speed trains is far from over. As IRJ went to press, the candidates best positioned to win the general election on December 20 all had one thing in common: a commitment to continue the massive investment in the AVE network while promising to keep a tight control over the public deficit in 2016. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport fell short of its promise to open 800km of new lines during 2015, but nevertheless succeeded in inaugurating the Valladolid - Leon, Santiago - Vigo, Seville - Cadiz, and Olmedo - Zamora high-speed lines, the latter opening on December 17. Expansion will continue this year with plans to open Venta de Baftos -Burgos (75km), Antequera - Granada (100km), Monforte del Cid - Murcia (62km), La Robla - Pola de Lena (44km including the 25km Pajares Base Tunnel), and the 165km western section of the Madrid - Extremadura - Portugal line.