The rail service between Valencia and Madrid, launched last summer, is expected to be extended to Mérida, near the Spanish border with Portugal, and eventually to Lisbon. According to the Spanish industry association Faprove, the first trains to Mérida are scheduled to begin operating in October.
The three companies currently running the Valencia–Madrid corridor—Medway, TransItalia, and Tramesa—have conducted the first successful pilot train on the extended route in recent days. The trial involved a locomotive hauling two semi-trailers. “The objective of these trials is to implement a new rail highway service connecting Valencia and Lisbon via Extremadura,” Faprove stated.
Mérida and the wider Extremadura region are seen as strategic locations for Medway’s network expansion. MSC’s rail freight subsidiary has recently strengthened its operations in the area, launching services at three terminals: Mérida, Badajoz, and Navalmoral de la Mata.
Medway has steadily increased its footprint in the Spanish market since entering in 2018, growing from an initial market share of 1.8% to become the third-largest operator with a 12% share. Meanwhile, MSC is in the process of establishing a joint venture with the Spanish state-owned railway company Renfe.