Steaming ahead

THE Spanish Ministry of Transport (MITMA) announced that work has begun at the Elche Parque Empresarial train station during a review meeting with Elche City Council and representatives from the regional government on Tuesday, March 21.

The station, which is currently on the C1 suburban railway line, is soon set to join the AVE high speed train network. Government representative, Pilar Bernabé, explained that work has begun on the project and that the contract to complete the construction work will soon be put out to tender.

Bernabé pledged the government's commitment to this vital infrastructure, which is the “cornerstone of the region's infrastructure and the modernisation of this railway line”. Bernabé also highlighted other government investments in local infrastructure including a resurfacing project on the A­

7, as well as a plan to rejuvenate 300 homes in the Porfirio Pascual neighbourhood.

The rail project will fulfil a promise from the national government to connect Elche’s C1 suburban line with the Alicante ­ Elche Miguel Hernández Airport. The project's drafting was included in the 2023 State Budget, and a month after its approval, in February 2023, it was awarded a €2.4 million grant.