High-speed trains cannot reach Asturias before May due to safety reasons, according to the Principality President Adrián Barbón, who confirmed this on Thursday. That same month is also the target date the Ministry of Transport recently announced for the Pajares by-pass opening, described as a priority for the first half of 2023.
Barbón rejected claims from opposition parties accusing the government of electoral timing tied to the municipal and district elections. He clarified that even though May is the target, an official opening ceremony cannot be held because the law prohibits it. He emphasized that activating the by-pass in this manner would solely benefit the citizens.
Addressing lawmakers, Barbón asked what the opposition would prefer. He stated that the opening cannot be staged due to ongoing safety checks expected to finish in May before service starts.
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“That’s the data. And I will not risk the lives of travelers,” Barbón commented about advancing the AVE’s arrival. He added that there will be no ceremonial inauguration because there is no official opening yet. Neither the minister nor he would preside over such an event prematurely.
During his tenure, Barbón has led what he called a “Ministry Marathon,” meeting with Transport Minister Raquel Sánchez to discuss improvements beyond current projects. They highlighted Oviedo’s northern rail link and the Avilés rail plan, which were brought up in the first follow-up commission in July. The Ministry of Transport’s investments in Asturias were framed as a broader effort to analyze “everything,” including a suburban rail plan that would move forward step by step, with precise milestones.
The Head of the Principality said he traveled to Madrid to advocate for Asturias, stressing that the region’s interests were his priority even beyond party lines.
In responding to the opposition again, Barbón noted that if he had not met with ministers, critics would claim he ignored them. He cautioned against tactical political games driven by polls, urging calm and reminding everyone there is still a year before elections. He suggested no one should panic because progress continues.
Barbón affirmed that the Asturias Government remains focused on governing, and this year should be productive with new actions and practical solutions for local challenges. He described the ministry visits as a sustained effort to push key projects forward and ensure that progress is tangible.
Vice President of the government, Juan Cofiño, spoke about both the AVE arrival and the ongoing ministerial efforts. He emphasized that the alternative plan has met all planned deadlines, despite a long-standing schedule that was years behind initial estimates. He noted that the introduction of the alternative is contingent on testing by the Railway Safety Agency, and the date communicated to the President reflects what is feasible at this stage.
Cofiño also addressed Barbón’s “ministerial marathon,” calling it a productive exercise. He said the true measure of success would show up in the agreements reached in the coming weeks, with the aim of delivering essential projects that benefit Asturias. He concluded that Barbón’s travels to meet ministers were successful in advancing the region’s priorities and securing progress on critical infrastructure.