Adif and Adif Alta Velocidad (Adif AV) have launched a transformative project to complete the Mediterranean Corridor between Valencia and Alicante, connecting the two cities to Europe at high speed. With a significant investment of 505 million euros, the first phase, with the Iberian gauge line from Xàtiva to Nudo de la Encina, will open on 9 September. At the same time, the second phase is underway, with an investment of 245 million euros, which will adapt the double-track line to high-speed trains and connect the capitals of the Valencian region to the standard gauge.
The Mediterranean Corridor is a strategic initiative to improve rail connections and promote sustainable mobility between the south-east and north-east of the Iberian Peninsula and Europe. The project encompasses comprehensive developments, including the construction of tunnels, viaducts, overpasses, and subways, as well as advanced traffic management systems.
Funded by the European Union's Structural Funds and the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan (NextGenerationEU), the Mediterranean Corridor will play a key role in enhancing rail freight transport and fostering continuous corridor connections in international gauge. It is expected to benefit over 4 million citizens, improve the region's competitiveness, and boost GDP by 2.2% up to 2030.
The completion of the first phase will mark a significant achievement, allowing all rail traffic to be carried on a single-track Iberian gauge line. In parallel, the second phase will focus on adapting the double-track railway to high speed, facilitating interoperability between the Mediterranean Corridor and standard gauge lines. The main upgrades include the renewal of the track infrastructure, electrification, signalling, safety systems, and centralized traffic control, ensuring seamless integration with high-speed lines.
