Orbital Line: €5.2 Billion Project Sparks Debate Again in Catalonia. Catalan regions are awaiting the launch of the Orbital Line but fear further delays. The project promises 40 stations and 120 km of track, yet mayors and experts remain skeptical. The question of connecting Renfe and Ferrocarrils remains unresolved.
Catalonia is once again debating the fate of a large-scale railway project—the Orbital Line, which is planned to connect Mataró and Vilanova i la Geltrú, bypassing Barcelona. The initiative, first proposed in the early 2000s, has returned to the spotlight after it became a key element in the budget negotiations of Salvador Illa's government. However, despite the promised €5.2 billion investment and plans to build 40 stations along 120 kilometers, the project is raising not only hopes but also serious concerns among local authorities and experts.
The main issue is the timeline and feasibility of implementation. Even in the most optimistic scenario, construction could not be completed before 2041. Of the 120 kilometers of route, 68 still need to be built, and of the 40 stations, 23 will be new. Mayors of the towns through which the line will pass fear that another change of government in Madrid could once again freeze the project indefinitely. Architect Manuel Larrosa, representing the FEMVallès association, believes the project is outdated and insufficiently justified: according to him, no necessary studies have been conducted on passenger flow or alternative routes, and the challenging terrain will require the construction of 72 tunnels and viaducts—more than in Barcelona's L9 metro line.
Skepticism is further fueled by technical limitations. According to calculations, the average speed will be 60 km/h, and the full route will take about two hours. Moreover, due to steep gradients and connection specifics, the line will not be able to handle freight transport. Larrosa also doubts the projected passenger flow: instead of the expected 96,000 people a day, he believes the actual number will barely exceed 24,000. As an alternative, he suggests developing transfer hubs between the existing R8 and R4 lines, as well as creating new connections between Renfe and Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat, which, in the expert's view, could solve part of the transport problems faster and at lower cost.
The mayor of Terrassa, Jordi Ballart, emphasizes that the orbital line project remains extremely complex and depends on national-level political agreements. He recalls that earlier there were plans to build transfer stations in the Hospital General and Baricentro areas by 2028, but now the timeline has shifted to 2031. In his opinion, even these facilities could significantly improve the transport situation in the region. In Sabadell, Mayor Marta Farrés supports the project, considering it important for boosting competitiveness and quality of life, but insists on the need to legally secure it in order to avoid further delays if there is a change in government.
In Mataró, Mayor David Bote notes that the orbital line will bring three new stations to the city and improve local connections, but he emphasizes the need for investment in the existing R1 line, which is already overloaded. In Vilanova i la Geltrú, municipal head Juan Luis Ruiz expresses regret that the section to Vilafranca del Penedès is in the final phase of implementation, and calls for the modernization of current routes. Nevertheless, he believes the new line will help relieve the overburdened R2 south and open new opportunities for the region.
Transport expert Joan Carles Salmerón emphasizes that Catalonia's rail network needs urgent modernization, and the orbital line could be a step towards renewal. In his opinion, the Mataró–Granollers and Vilanova–Vilafranca sections should be prioritized, as demand there is particularly high. It is important to note that discussions on the future of the orbital line are taking place against a backdrop of demographic changes in the region: as recently reported, Barcelona has recorded its lowest birth rate in the past 85 years, which also affects Catalonia’s long-term transport needs.
For reference: the orbital line is one of the largest infrastructure projects in the modern history of Catalonia. Its implementation will provide an alternative to radial routes passing through Barcelona and improve connectivity in suburban areas. However, the project’s success depends on stable funding, coordinated action between the national government and the Generalitat, as well as the ability to adapt plans to the real needs of residents.
