The Spanish ministry of transport commenced land expropriations to adapt the Alicante-La Encina railway to the standard gauge. This project is expected to significantly benefit rail freight traffic to and from the port of Alicante, which would have continuous standard gauge connections both to the north and south.
Currently, Alicante and La Encina are connected by a Iberian gauge line and a high-speed standard gauge one (used for passenger services). The new initiative entails the implementation of a new standard gauge infrastructure to create a seamless connection between Alicante and the rest of Europe also for rail freight.
After the expropriation, which will interest non-urbanisable land in 11 municipalities, the works can start. The contract for this project was awarded to the country’s infrastructure manager Adif for 130 million euros. Sidings will be also adapted to accommodate trains of 750 metres in length. In order to create an uninterrupted standard gauge line for rail freight, the Spanish ministry is also adapting the section between La Encina and Xàtiva.
Rail freight at the port of Alicante
The port of Alicante, located on Spain’s southeastern coast, was connected to the railway only in May 2024. Currently, the port has rail services to Madrid and Miranda de Ebro, both operated by JSV Logistics. With the new infrastructure, however, it will gain rail links to Valencia, Barcelona and the rest of Europe. In addition, there are plans for a new railway terminal within the port of Alicante to further boost rail freight.