In 2024, the focus on digitalization and sustainability has become central for the Administrator of Railway Infrastructures (Adif) and Adif High Speed, with both entities allocating around 4.5 billion euros to these areas. This funding is geared towards integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) into their bidding process, aiming to optimize project management and lifecycle.
Last year, Adif invested 2.032,5 million euros, marking a 42.2% increase from the previous year, funneling resources into significant projects like the improvement of the Northwest corridor and the commuter train services. Similarly, Adif High Speed spent 2.459 million euros on critical line constructions such as the Basque Y and the Murcia-Almería route, as well as modernizing existing lines, witnessing a 24.5% growth compared to the previous period. BIM methodologies have become mandatory from the design phase in many of these projects, enhancing transparency and efficiency in execution and maintenance.
This strategy aligns with Adif’s 2030 Strategic Plan, emphasizing digital transformation and operational efficiency to improve user experience. Javier Lozano, Deputy Director of BIM and Digital Continuity, highlights the plan’s goal to boost the railway sector’s competitiveness and sustainability in the face of future challenges.
The adoption of BIM is also in line with institutional initiatives like the BIM Plan in Public Procurement, progressively encouraging this technology’s use to enhance public spending efficiency. Since its initiation, 53 bids have integrated BIM requirements, as reported by buildingSMART Spain.
One of BIM’s unique benefits is its collaborative approach. Borja Sánchez Ortega, Project Director and BIM expert, notes that this methodology centralizes all information in a digital model accessible to all stakeholders, improving coordination and foreseeing potential issues.
To ensure platform interoperability, the use of open standards like the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) is promoted, easing data integration. The Adif BIM group oversees this implementation, bolstering transparency and efficiency in public works.
Adif’s alignment with the public procurement BIM Plan not only establishes it as a benchmark in the European railway sector but also drives digital transformation across the public work value chain, from engineering studies to the maintenance of railway assets.
