The funding is part of the Sustainable and Digital Transport Support Program under the Recovery Plan, aimed at improving rail freight operations and infrastructure.
The Spanish Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has allocated €14.6 million in European aid to support the construction and modernization of nine rail-road intermodal terminals and private loading bays.
Rail intermodal projects
A key project includes the design and construction of a rail-road intermodal terminal in Mieres, which will feature three 1,238-meter-long loading and unloading tracks built for Iberian gauge and a mixed-gauge section. The Mieres project will receive €3 million from the program.
The funding will also support the electrification of certain terminal tracks, the installation of UIC gauge equipment, and increasing usable track length to improve loading and unloading efficiency.
Railway interoperability
An additional €1.9 million has been assigned for the development of variable gauge axles for freight locomotives. The axles will support operations across International, Ukrainian, and Iberian gauge networks, expanding the interoperability of freight transport between different rail systems.
Digitalization and modernization
Approximately €5.9 million has been set aside for 10 projects aimed at digitalizing rail, road, and maritime transport services. The projects include upgrades to freight tracking systems, operational management platforms, and customer interface systems for rail logistics.
Program overview
The Sustainable and Digital Transport Support Program forms part of Spain’s 2030 Safe, Sustainable, and Connected Mobility Strategy. The program seeks to shift more freight traffic to rail and reduce emissions by supporting infrastructure upgrades, increasing operational efficiency, and improving interoperability within the rail freight sector.