SPAIN: Infrastructure manager ADIF has awarded its first contract to provide neutral shunting services within its freight terminals. Awarded to a joint venture of Logitrén and Slisa, the four-year contract started on May 1 and covers the intermodal terminal at Madrid Abroñigal and the neighbouring Santa Catalina facility, as well as the freight terminal at Vicálvaro on the Madrid — Barcelona route.
According to ADIF, the contract award forms part of its strategy to develop freight traffic and increase the number of participants in this sector. It means that 32% of trains using its facilities are managed by freight operators or other third parties either directly or indirectly. In 2015 the facilities at Madrid Abroñigal and Santa Catalina handled a total of 6 308 trains, while the total for Vicálvaro was 5 033.
