Amid the controversy over PSOE transfers to Catalan independence groups to secure Pedro Se1nchez’s appointment and the broader implications for distributing one province to the other autonomous communities, Alicante stands out as the province with the greatest concern about what comes next. The central government faces a long list of pending accounts for this region, including an investment deficit in transportation infrastructure that has grown over the last 15 years to at least four thousand million euros. This shortfall has worsened mobility challenges for passengers. The renewed Executive faces a substantial task, starting with twelve essential actions aimed at reversing this trend, including establishing a railway link to the airport and adding a third lane to the A-70 highway between Alicante and Elche, among others.
For years, the province of Alicante received little attention in the General State Budgets, regardless of which party governed. This neglect became more pronounced in the past two years and culminated in a stark warning: the region shows up as a laggard in investments. Studies conducted by Ineca, the Institute of Economic Research, indicate an investment deficit since 2008 of about four billion euros when population weight is considered, with direct consequences for the central government’s infrastructure commitments in the area.
Thus the new Sanchez administration, sworn in this week, faces a difficult path if its goal is to begin correcting the situation. The controversy around agreements with independence supporters adds uncertainty to the outlook. While the PP argues that transfers to Catalonia will shrink investments in other communities, the PSOE contends that the benefit to Catalonia will be redistributed to other regions, starting with relief of part of the Catalan debt and continued improvements to the financing system in the community.
Evidence of the heightened tensions was evident at the Valencian Cortes plenary last Wednesday during the amnesty discussion. The regional president highlighted fears of receiving only a small fraction of what remains in Catalonia. Socialist Rebeca Torrf3 argued that the Valencian Community would gain from these agreements. Both PSOE and Sumar underscored that the government accords include several investments aimed at improving Alicante’s communications, particularly the Cercanedas rail network and a better airport connection.
The progress of the legislature will reveal the justifications and set the tone for the months ahead. Alicante remains among the provinces watched most closely for the prioritization of investments, insisting that key projects receive funding in the near term.
Aineca, in a February study supported by the Valencian Community Business Confederation and the Alicante Chamber of Commerce, outlined the infrastructures required for growth and the competitiveness necessary for the region to reach levels closer to other provinces. That study remains a reference point for policy discussions and planning.
Ineca increases pressure on infrastructure and estimates pending investments to be 2 billion 50 million
In the referenced study, 11 actions are proposed with an estimated cost around two thousand million euros, including one thousand five hundred million for railways and five hundred million for highways. An additional demand has been advanced by CEV, calling for a second runway at the airport, though its cost remains undetermined.
The report, prepared to help reach an agreement with the Ministry of Transport and to guide the monitoring of state investments through the 2030 horizon, suggests not only direct contributions but also deadlines and financing options. Public administrations’ general budgets are one path, and private sector partnerships are presented as a complementary approach to mobilize the necessary funds.
There has been some progress since the presentation, albeit cautious, in preparing projects and issuing tenders, though many efforts remain in the early stages. The central government actions and their budgets are laid out as follows:
Alicante third lane on the A-70 route Alicante-Elche
255 million euros
The third lane on the A-70 between Alicante and Elche is viewed as essential to reduce congestion. The action carries a budget of 255 million euros.
Improvement of the A-31
154 million euros
Upgrading the A-31 motorway between Villena and Alicante aims to lower the high accident rate in this stretch. Former regional president Ximo Puig had pledged funds for this project during talks with the central government. The investment total is 154 million euros.
Third lane Crevillent-Murcia
120 million euros
There is a request to add a third lane on the A-7 between Crevillent and Murcia to improve traffic flow. The project is currently in the awarding phase and has a budget of 120 million.
UA roundabout underpass
19 million euros
The plan also calls for an underpass at the University of Alicante roundabout, linking to the Science Park to boost safety and traffic flow at a busy junction. The budget is 19 million euros.
Torrevieja variant
40 million euros
The Torrevieja ring road widening is a frequently requested action, particularly due to seasonal delays. The project is valued at 40 million euros.
Coast train
630 million euros
In the rail infrastructure plan, emphasis is placed on the coastal train connecting Alicante and Benidorm, following the Generalitat’s takeover of the Dénia-Gandia segment. The project totals 630 million euros.
Airport connection
505 million euros
The upgrade of the Alicante-Elche-Murcia line, including airport access, is a major railway initiative valued at 505 million euros with a roadmap that is crucial for tourism and regional mobility.
Improvement of the Alcoy-Xe0tiva train
145 million euros
The modernization of the Alcoy to Xe0tiva rail link appears on the list with a budget of 145 million dollars and is currently in the tender stage.
Mediterranean Corridor
152 million euros
The business sector seeks to connect the Port of Alicante with dry ports in the Mediterranean Corridor within the Vinalopf3 region, with an investment of 152 million dollars.
AVE Alicante-Valencia
24 million euros
The AVE line under construction between Alicante and Valencia is also a target, with a request for 24 million.
Pier 19 of the Port
Not rated
The plan includes building a 19th berth at the Port of Alicante to boost sea freight capacity.
The airport’s second runway
Not rated
The package concludes with a proposal to add a second runway at the airport to increase air traffic capacity.
Business leaders worry that extending General Budgets could delay funding arrivals next year and prolong Alicante’s lack of investments. Salvador Navarro, president of the Valencian Community Business Confederation, notes limited time to prepare new budgets but adds that if an extension is decided, planning can continue. He emphasizes ongoing negotiations with the new executive to secure priority projects. Joaquedn Pe9rez, head of CEV Alicante, echoes the call for urgent measures, especially for the airport. Javier Gisbert, head of the Federation of Public Works in Alicante, fears continued underfunding. Julie1n Lf3pez Milla, a professor at the University of Alicante, stresses that investment is essential for growth and jobs, urging access to major transportation infrastructures while recognizing that these projects will benefit the nation as a whole and contribute to broader development.