Spain’s Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Óscar Puente, confirmed the plan to modernize the network during a visit to the new Fuencarral II workshop in Madrid. The programme, valued at €1 billion, will cover more than 60 facilities nationwide, with the first 10 projects already underway or in advanced planning.
The initiative, known as the Comprehensive Workshops and Maintenance Plan 2025–2030, is designed to strengthen Renfe’s capacity to service its growing fleet of high‑speed, suburban, and freight trains.
Key Projects
- Madrid region: €48 million for new suburban train workshops in Aranjuez, Móstoles‑El Soto, and Fuencarral.
- Catalonia: €100 million for new suburban facilities in Ripoll, Manresa, and Sant Andreu, alongside the expansion of the Vilanova i la Geltrú workshop.
- Other regions: New or upgraded facilities in Murcia, Málaga, Santander, and Valencia, plus new bases in Almería, Irun, and La Sagra to support high‑speed and freight operations.
Strategic Importance
The investment will introduce digitised maintenance systems, real‑time monitoring, and automated inspections, aimed at reducing downtime and improving reliability. According to Puente, the programme represents a “historic commitment to the future of Spanish rail transport”, ensuring Renfe can meet rising demand for sustainable mobility.
Outlook
By 2030, Renfe expects the upgraded network of workshops to deliver faster turnaround times, greater efficiency, and improved passenger service quality. The plan also aligns with Spain’s broader strategy to decarbonize transport and expand rail’s role in both domestic and regional mobility.
In essence, Renfe’s €1 billion workshop upgrade is not only an infrastructure investment but also a strategic move to future‑proof Spain’s rail system, ensuring resilience, efficiency, and sustainability for decades to come.
Renfe Train Picture by Tim Adams
Sources: International Railway Journal, RailTarget, Trenvista, Railway Pro, EFE News.
