Catalan government tenders study for Eix Transversal railway

The Generalitat de Catalunya has launched a tender for the first phase of the Eix Transversal Ferroviari study, a major infrastructure project designed to connect Lleida and Girona without passing through Barcelona.

The study, managed by the public infrastructure company Ifercat, aims to update a project concept from 17 years ago. The proposed network would include a double branch: one running from Lleida to Igualada, then splitting toward Martorell, a station in the Vallès region, and Barcelona-Sagrera, and another running from Igualada through Manresa and Vic to Girona. The total line is expected to exceed 250 km.

Key objectives include integrating high-speed AVE services from Madrid into the Sagrera station via a new branch between Martorell and Mollet, potentially saving time and reducing congestion in the Tarragona corridor. While the Ministry of Transport views the axis as a high-speed line, the regional government intends for it to also accommodate freight trains to reduce dependence on the Mediterranean Corridor. The study is expected to last approximately 28 months and will define the route, feasibility, costs, and environmental impact, with construction not anticipated to begin before 2030.