SPAIN: Passenger services on the final 15·9 km of high speed line between Orihuela and Murcia began on December 20, following an official inauguration by King Felipe VI the previous day.
The 1 435 mm gauge line is currently single track, running on the east side of the single 1 668 mm gauge track. There is 2·5 km of dual gauge track into Murcia del Carmen station, which is approached through a 1·8 km tunnel.
A high speed line is planned from a junction at El Reguerón to Cartagena. This will complete the Levante high speed network as originally envisaged in the early 2000s, linking Madrid with Albacete, València, Alacant, Murcia and Cartagena.
Speaking at the inauguration, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said ’Spain is advancing with new infrastructure which generates new investment and opportunities. We are progressing in all regions of the country, ensuring that our people have equal opportunities wherever they live. Today we have put an end to railway isolation which has been unjustly prolonged.’
Services
There are four high speed trains each way per day between Madrid and Murcia operated using Talgo Class 112 trainsets. A promotional campaign for the service runs until December 29, with 30 000 single tickets for sale at €19 for travel by December 31 2023.
The existing two inter-city trains each way per day between Madrid and Albacete via the more direct 1 668 mm gauge line will continue, with weekend services extended from Murcia to Águilas.
RENFE has also introduced an Avant service linking Alacant and Murcia using 250 km/h Alstom/CAF Class 104 EMUs. This complements the existing stopping service, and uses the high speed line to reduce the end-to-end journey time by 40 min.
