The Spanish High Speed Railway is the largest in Europe
and the second in the world, behind China
In this post we are going to talk about one of the most outstanding infrastructure projects in Spain and one that has become a benchmark in many countries. We are talking about the Spanish High Speed Railway (AVE, in its acronyms in Spanish).
The AVE project was inaugurated in 1992 with the 470 km line from Madrid to Seville. Two decades later the network has increased eightfold, now measuring 4,000 km (approx.) in length, making Spain the leading country in Europe and the second in the world in terms of high-speed kilometres.
The challenge for the Spanish industry
This railway engineering project was possible thanks to the synergies between different companies from across Spanish industry, who collaborated in the design, manufacture and construction of the entire infrastructure over many years.Spanish high-speed rail lines have become a worldwide benchmark for initiating change in the railway sector, incorporating innovative systems and technologies.
The success of the projects has resulted in Spanish companies participating in railway projects all over the world to bring know-how regarding the planning and construction of high-speed railway infrastructures.
Notable projects
Some of the most notable projects that carry the Spanish stamp are:
LAV in California
For this project, Spanish companies were contracted to carry out the feasibility study and construction. This railway line is the first in the state of California.
Ankara - Istanbul
Several Spanish companies also participated in the construction of the new high-speed railway linking Europe and Asia. In this case, they were responsible for the design and engineering phase as well as supplying rolling stock.
Oslo - Ski
This project is Norway's largest transport infrastructure project. In this case, Spanish companies also participated in the execution of the works and the electrification system.
LAV in California
For this project, Spanish companies were contracted to carry out the feasibility study and construction. This railway line is the first in the state of California.
Ankara - Istanbul
Several Spanish companies also participated in the construction of the new high-speed railway linking Europe and Asia. In this case, they were responsible for the design and engineering phase as well as supplying rolling stock.
Oslo - Ski
This project is Norway's largest transport infrastructure project. In this case, Spanish companies also participated in the execution of the works and the electrification system.
Sources of information:
https://magazine.mafex.es/la-alta-velocidad-espanola-un-ejemplo-a-seguir-a-nivel-internacional/
https://elpais.com/economia/2012/09/08/agencias/1347100521_989344.html
https://www.adif.es/-/la-alta-velocidad-alcanza-los-4.000-km-y-consolida-el-liderazgo-mundial-de-espa%C3%B1a-en-un-modelo-de-movilidad-sostenible
