PLANNING for construction of a standard-gauge rail link across the Pyrenees between Perpignan and Figueres moved forward on October 9, when the French government issued a Declaration of Public Utility for the line as far as the border at Le Perthus. Intended to carry both freight and passenger services, the route will link Spain’s Madrid - Barcelona - Figueres high speed line to the French network.
Six consortia have lodged expressions of interest in a concession to build and operate the link, which was advertised in an OJEC notice in July. They are:
