A Pts2·6bn package of improvements for the Monforte - Orense - Vigo corridor was approved by the Spanish government at the end of December. It forms part of a Pts30bn strategy to improve speeds on the main rail links in Galicia in 1999-2002; under an accord signed last April, this will be funded 90% by the Ministry of Development and 10% by the regional government.
Realignment of the Arbo - Salvaterra and Caldelas - Guillarey (Pontevedra) sections totalling 24·4 route-km for higher speeds requires the construction of 14 cut-offs amounting to 11·7 km. At the same time, track, signalling and overhead electrification will be renewed.
The government has also approved a Pts3·7bn investment to modernise a 30 km section of the Madrid - Hendaye main line between Pinar de las Rozas and El Escorial over the next 28 months.
