Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC) President Carles Ruiz announced the purchase of 38 new trains for the Llobregat-Anoia line. This represents a significant upgrade for Barcelona's public transport network. The investment will improve service frequencies and extend the line from Plaça Espanya to Gràcia, directly impacting thousands of daily commuters.
Major Fleet Upgrade for Llobregat-Anoia Line
FGC plans to use 18 of the new trains to increase service frequencies and support the line's extension to Gràcia. The remaining 20 trains will replace older units acquired in 1999, which have reached the end of their operational life. This ensures a modern and reliable fleet for passengers.
Carles Ruiz stated, "The good thing is that users will have new trains, a renewal of the country's fleet." This modernisation effort aims to enhance the daily travel experience for residents. The extension to Gràcia will provide better connectivity within the city, particularly for those living or working in the Eixample district, home to 260,000 residents.
Expanding FGC's Network and Services
FGC is also preparing for the launch of the R-Aeroport train service to Barcelona Airport. Officials expect this service to start operation in the first half of next year. FGC will operate these trains on tracks managed by Adif, sharing the infrastructure with Renfe. This collaboration requires new operational protocols.
Ruiz described the experience as "exciting." He added that FGC is working to integrate its passenger information systems with Renfe's operations. This ensures a smooth experience for travellers. FGC is growing into a major railway operator. It now manages the Rodalies Lleida-Terrassa line and will oversee the TramCamp tramway project in Tarragona, expected by late 2029.
FGC predicts a substantial increase in passenger numbers. The company expects to grow from 100 million current passengers to 150 million within five to six years. This growth necessitates a redesign of all control systems. The goal is a unified network system with integrated control centres across all lines. The Catalan Government is also exploring new tram projects in the Barcelona metropolitan area, Vallès, and Baix Empordà. FGC is preparing to manage these future services.
Additionally, the Infrastructure Master Plan considers a railway connection between Castelldefels and Sant Boi. This could link Gràcia directly to Castelldefels via the Llobregat-Anoia line. The current extension to Gràcia, along with new workshops, trains, and signalling changes, will prepare the line for this potential inter-connection. The government also considers an orbital line from Vilanova to Mataró. This aims to support balanced population growth across Catalonia.
Addressing Climate Change Risks
FGC attributes its operational success to continuous investment in maintenance and a multi-year agreement with the Catalan Government. This contract-programme outlines specific objectives, ensuring responsible and efficient operation. However, climate change presents new challenges for the railway system.
Ruiz highlighted the need to adapt. He noted that severe drought followed by torrential rains weakens the subsoil. This creates problems not seen two decades ago. FGC is undertaking works on embankments, particularly along the Llobregat-Anoia line and the Lleida-La Pobla line, which traverse open, non-urban areas. These sections are highly susceptible to weather conditions.
Protecting the tracks is now a critical focus. This includes different netting, track protections, and revised sensorisation and signalling systems. These measures are essential to mitigate new risks posed by changing weather patterns.
Future Vision for Catalan Rail
FGC anticipates a very different railway system in the next decade. The company aims to ensure that all new services maintain FGC's core values. These values include efficiency and punctuality. The ongoing investments and expansion plans will strengthen FGC's capacity to meet future demands for public transport across Catalonia.
Come and join our Barcelona English Speakers community on WhatsApp.
Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.
