The high-speed train that reaches Ourense marks a significant moment for Galicia’s rail ambitions, a milestone many in the Galician government see as a stepping stone toward broader connectivity. In December 2020, the Galician AVE line was inaugurated, linking the regional capital with Madrid and signaling a clear commitment to integrate high-speed rail within Galicia’s boundaries as quickly as possible.
To achieve higher speeds and shorten travel times between major Galician cities, Talgo plans to deploy the 106 series, widely known as the Avril train. Capable of speeds up to 330 km/h, this rolling stock is expected to dramatically reduce journey times and improve intercity connections across Galicia.
During a recent exchange, one unit underwent examination and a continuation of the testing phase ahead of the train’s official rollout. The mobility update, described by Minister Raquel Sánchez as a goal for the summer, faced practical considerations that could adjust this timeline.
Talgo’s most advanced unit remained stationed at the former assembly facility in Miamán (Baños de Molgas) after completing the latest kilometers from Taboadela to Ourense. The test route was conducted at dusk, with the track condition carefully assessed. The project envisions opening the line from Ourense toward Burgos this summer, and a reverse route from Venta de Baños is planned for a subsequent phase.
It is expected that one of the fifteen variable gauge units will arrive in Galicia for initial testing, potentially reaching speeds around 363 km/h on the Santiago corridor and along the Atlantic Axis depending on the configuration and testing results.
The process involves validating command and control systems, safety protocols, and overall performance on the Iberian gauge to advance toward operational readiness.
The transition from demonstration to final approval requires a conclusive report from the State Railways Safety Agency (AESF) and appropriate training for Renfe personnel before passenger service could begin.
The envisioned train set includes two locomotives and twelve wagons, forming a paired set for directional service. Earlier tests on Galician roads showcased the train’s configuration and performance, with ongoing assessments to ensure safety and reliability.
Forecast for deployment
Government plans anticipate an arrival window for the summer season, with regional leaders expressing cautious optimism about meeting the agreed deadlines. A Galician official emphasized that, while timelines are ambitious, there is no intention to delay the rollout beyond what testing and regulatory steps permit.
Nevertheless, homologation timelines and driver training for the new models suggest that a summer debut may be unlikely, with expectations shifting toward a 2022 timeframe as the process progresses and qualifications are completed for full service across Galicia.