Barcelona high-speed rail expansion is accelerating, with new operator Iryo confirming plans for a Valencia route and the Catalan government intensifying pressure for a direct link to Paris.

This dual push emerged during a major mobility forum in the city, highlighting a pivotal moment for Spain’s liberalised rail market.

The forum, organised by Iryo and reported by La Vanguardia, brought together key transport leaders.

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Consequently, the discussion revealed concrete timelines. Iryo’s CEO, Fabrizio Favara, stated the company is ready to operate the Barcelona-Valencia line as soon as the infrastructure is complete, targeting 2028. Furthermore, he confirmed trains are already built with the necessary electric technology for the Mediterranean Corridor.

Manel Nadal, Secretary for Mobility, emphasised these connections are strategic priorities. He hailed market liberalisation as a “revolution” that has lowered prices and democratised high-speed travel. Meanwhile, the Barcelona high-speed rail vision faces a significant hurdle: France’s closed market. All speakers criticised France for hindering European hyper-connectivity, arguing it harms French citizens.

Growth Plans and Broader Mobility Vision

Iryo also announced major growth on its core Barcelona-Madrid axis. The company will increase daily services and invest €100 million to expand its fleet. Additionally, it champions quality and punctuality, with 87% of passengers arriving on time. This focus on reliability is echoed across Barcelona’s transport network.

Xavier Flores, CEO of TMB, revealed the metro and bus system is on track for a record 700 million journeys this year. He attributes this to discount policies and obsessive work on reliability. Therefore, the city’s overall transport ecosystem is strengthening. However, Josep Maria Martí of Moventia warned that rail alone cannot solve all mobility issues in a growing country, advocating for the flexible, sustainable role of buses.

This integrated approach is crucial as the city evolves. For instance, recent street safety overhauls and wider regional rail investments show a comprehensive strategy. The forum concluded that appealing to passenger experience, rather than just environmental messaging, is key to boosting public transport use. Ultimately, the expansion of Barcelona high-speed rail is a central pillar in this transformative period for regional connectivity.

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