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The IX Iberian Forum of the Southwest Iberian Corridor was held in Madrid, bringing together representatives from autonomous communities, municipalities, business associations, transporters, and various institutions. The main message of the meeting was the urgent need to realize the direct rail connection between Madrid and Lisbon, which is slated for completion before 2030.
Organized by the Luso-Spanish platform Southwest Iberian Network, the event took place at the Auditorio Castellana 33. During the session, the importance of accelerating the construction of this high-speed and high-capacity rail corridor was emphasized, which is vital for the economic, social, and environmental cohesion of both nations.
This corridor is a strategic project supported by the governments of Spain, Portugal, and the European Union, although it still faces uncertainties regarding its route and progress in its execution. Historically, this region has endured isolation that has hindered its development, exacerbated by the lack of adequate infrastructure connecting both countries.
Carlos Velázquez, the mayor of Toledo, expressed the forum’s disappointment, pointing out that “the excitement of last May has turned into disappointment” and that the years 2024 and 2025 are critical for advancing decision-making that will propel the project.
Adolfo Díaz-Ambrona, Secretary General of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, highlighted that this connection will not only promote bilateral economic development but will also alleviate congestion in other means of transport between Spain and Portugal.
From a technical perspective, José Antonio Sebastián Ruiz, the government commissioner for the Atlantic Corridor, reported that the projected line between Madrid and Extremadura will reach speeds of 300 km/h. An investment of 1.7 billion euros has been allocated for the Madrid-Lisbon line, with plans for electrification to be completed before 2028 and high-speed service to be operational before 2030.
Manuel Martín, Infrastructure Minister of the Junta de Extremadura, criticized the delays in project implementation, noting that three years have passed since the symbolic inauguration of the AVE extremeño, and expectations have not materialized into visible progress.
Currently, a train journey between Madrid and Lisbon takes more than nine hours and requires at least two transfers. The expectation is to reduce this time to under six hours, adhering to European standards and responding to increasing demand.
The project goes beyond improving infrastructure; it presents an opportunity to revitalize social and territorial cohesion as well as promote economic and environmental development. Miguel Garrido, Vice President of CEOE, emphasized that infrastructure is essential for future development and called for the promised investments to be made.
The president of the Madrid Business Forum, Hilario Alfaro, criticized the delays, calling them a “scandal” and a “fraud against society.” Public pressure is evident with over 30,000 signatures on the Manifesto for the Promotion of the Southwest Iberian Corridor, highlighting the growing call for action.
Antonio García Salas, spokesperson for the Southwest Iberian Corridor Network, concluded by emphasizing the project’s relevance as a solution to a historical problem. The urgency to meet deadlines set by the European Union becomes even more evident with the approach of the 2030 World Cup, an event that will demand infrastructure reflecting the aspirations of both countries.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
