The publicly traded Adif company and the temporary consortium formed by them as Dragados SA (5%), Rover Infrastructures SA (20%), Rover Ray SA (20%), and Tecsa Construction Company SA (15%) confirmed the reassessment framework for an ambitious urban rail project early in 2019. The initiative centers on constructing an access canal and burying railway lines to the south of the city, a move that clears regulatory hurdles and paves the way for a multi-year modernization of the region’s rail corridor. With a projected cost of 443 million euros and an implementation horizon of 51 months, the project is designed to strengthen rail infrastructure and regional mobility while integrating services with minimal disruption to ongoing operations.
Transport officials and regional leaders gathered to mark the occasion, signaling the start of detailed planning and groundwork. The inspection visit included Transport Minister Raquel Sánchez, alongside the president of the Generalitat, and regional and municipal representatives who emphasized the transformative potential of the project for Valencia and the broader Mediterranean corridor.
[Source attribution: Adif press release and regional government briefings]
Raquel Sánchez highlighted the urban transformation as a critical step toward higher rail performance, noting that the initiative has been anticipated since 2003. She described the access channel works as a milestone in rail integration for Valencia and the development of the Mediterranean corridor. The ministry underscored that the phase underway would unlock significant mobility opportunities for the Valencian Community in the coming years, aligning with long-term regional transport goals.
Valencia’s mayor, Joan Ribó, welcomed the day’s progresses and stated that construction would enable the city’s wall to be opened in 2028, effectively ending a barrier that has divided Valencia for 170 years. He called for streamlined processes and faster project execution, outlining plans to connect through a major tunnel, the Central Station, and the AVE line to Castellón. The Generalitat president, Ximo Puig, celebrated the push toward a barrier-free city, acknowledging that some elements of the plan had to be restarted. He referred to the cancellation of contracts related to the transit tunnel, Central Station, and the Castellón AVE as a reminder of the project’s scale and the need for continued coordination.
Following the signing of the redefinition between Adif and the contractor groups, the work moved from paperwork to execution with the first practical steps. Initial actions include topography campaigns and supplementary surveys, management of affected services, and the initiation of land movement activities. The early phase will run alongside the construction of tunnels designed to maintain rail traffic during excavation, preserving service continuity while accelerating overall progress. While this approach adds technical complexity, it promises improved efficiency and long-term reliability for critical rail links in the region.
In its broader context, the project represents a deliberate urban transformation that seeks to integrate rail with city life, reduce travel times, and support future growth along the Mediterranean corridor. Officials emphasized that the work will be phased to minimize disruption and maximize safety for passengers and residents. Local businesses and commuters are expected to benefit from improved accessibility, enhanced corridor reliability, and the prospect of more frequent and punctual services as lines are modernized and buried where necessary. The coordination effort involves multiple public and private partners, reflecting a shared commitment to a more connected and sustainable transport network in Valencia and its surroundings.