Spain launches a major upgrade of its railway network: on the Madrid–Barcelona line, AVE trains will soon reach speeds of up to 350 km/h. This will set a new national speed record and push Spain’s high-speed routes closer to the world’s fastest lines.
Within the next few years, passengers are expected to travel between the two largest cities in under two hours. To achieve this, key sections of the line will undergo track upgrades and the implementation of cutting-edge technology. Special focus is being given to new aerodynamic sleepers, which will reduce air resistance and minimize the dangerous ballast lift effect—when loose stones can damage trains at high speeds.
As part of the project, a new high-speed station will be built in Parla, in the southern part of the Madrid region. This should help ease the load on Madrid’s central terminals and make transfers between routes more convenient. Now, travelers heading from Andalucía to Cataluña can change trains without detouring into the city center.
In addition, a direct connection will link Chamartín station with Barcelona, bypassing Atocha station. This move will streamline passenger flows and offer more travel options. Authorities believe these changes will not only speed up journeys nationwide but also make rail transport more appealing to both residents and visitors.
