The Catalan region in Spain is expected to be fully equipped with the European standard gauge within the next two to three years. This was announced by the regional secretary for mobility and infrastructure, Manel Nadal. The different track gauges between the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of Europe currently still represent a significant obstacle for international rail freight transport. The priority is on the coastline, in particular on the missing section between Castellon de la Plana and Tarragona, which would connect Barcelona with Valencia. Once this work has been completed, efforts will be directed towards modernising the Tarragona – Lleida – Zaragoza line. In addition, Nadal is calling for the Lleida terminal to be upgraded to the European standard gauge. To this end, the European Investment Bank (EIB) approved a loan for a study in August 2024.
