Renfe, the Spanish national railway company, has announced an investment of €2.2 million for the conversion of wagons, previously utilized for coal transport. These wagons will now be repurposed to accommodate the transportation of cereals, responding to the increased demand for grain transport services.
The conversion process will primarily involve fitting the currently open hoppers with covers to protect the cargo. Additionally, the modifications will include the installation of lateral access platforms to facilitate roof access and altering the gates to ensure they are watertight. Following the transformation, the wagons will also receive new paint and labels, aligning with the branding criteria of Renfe Mercancías, Renfe's freight transport division.
This initiative is a response to the growing need for efficient grain transportation from ports to meet domestic consumption demands. In 2022, Spanish ports received nearly 17 million tons of cereals, with Renfe Mercancías responsible for transporting over 1.1 million tons of this volume.
The project is scheduled to unfold in several phases, with completion targeted for 2026. This investment reflects Renfe's commitment to adapting its services to evolving market needs and ensuring the reliable supply of essential goods within the country.
