Alvia made its first electric journey this Sunday in Extremadura. The train, which moved from Badajoz to Madrid this Sunday, completed the section between Badajoz and Cáceres connected to the catenary and continued on its way to Madrid with mechanical traction. Thus, an electric convoy is finally traveling on the roads of Extremadura, and a historic request is thus fulfilled.
Seems like, Electric traction system was used in the Badajoz-Cáceres section. Electrification is planned to be limited to this route for a few days and then extend to the north. Estremadura.
Despite this development, the current railway security system, Asfa, It allows you to reach a speed of only 200 km/h. In 2024, the security system will be Ertms and Increase speed up to 220 km/h.
This electrification came as a surprise and was carried out through social networks, where users shared images of the pantograph raised to receive current from the catenary. This photo was spread by the Facebook group Madrid – Ciudad Real – Badajoz railway line. This newspaper contacted Renfe to inquire about the situation, but the company did not confirm this.
Exactly, the same newspaper included some statements of the Minister of Infrastructure, Transport and Settlement and the Board last Thursday: Manuel Martin CastizoHe stated that he expected the electrification of the train between Badajoz and Plasencia to be started “within the next week”; This was an action expected for July, then November, and now, in principle, it would be mid-December. Despite the announcement, Martín Castizo wanted to emphasize: still no “official communication” by the central government on which this infrastructure depends.
CCOO demands acceleration of AVE’s La Mancha section to Extremadura
Meanwhile, the CCOO trade union organization in Extremadura thinks: electric train coming soon The “streamlining” of procedures and works on the La Mancha section, on the route between Badajoz and Plasencia, should be encouraged. so complete bird Madrid-Badajoz as soon as possible.
The person responsible for this area at CCOO Extremadura, Miguel FuentesHe explains that in 2023, “works that were tendered and awarded a few years ago will be built and implemented.” We had to wait a long time for “about 180 kilometers of track” to be electrified..
Although there is significant progress “It doesn’t even improve the railway situation in Extremadura”hence its importance” Get a quick demo of the section of AVE still to be built“.
““Having an electric route that’s not even half the journey is better than doing nothing, it’s a significant improvement, but once you get to Plasencia you’ll come back to reality,” he says.
For him “What we have today is an improvement, but with a lot of luck we will have to achieve it” “Wait until 2030 to get AVE to Madrid”, manifested. And in his opinion, ““There’s still a lot left.” We have not yet seen the electrified Madrid-Badajoz section. “Until these lines become operational, Extremadura will continue to have Second Division railway” manifested.