Catalonia pressures against the total closure of the Barcelona-Madrid line

Catalonia is opposing the complete closure of the Barcelona-Madrid high-speed line due to the lack of viable alternatives for travelers. The radial model of Spain's high-speed rail network centers around Madrid, leaving no cross connections. Transport Minister Óscar Puente's proposal for a total shutdown for renovations has faced unanimous political rejection in Catalonia, including from opposition parties and engineering professionals. They advocate for maintaining service during construction, as is customary in Europe. Experts suggest extending nighttime work hours and using advanced machinery to minimize disruption. A long-term investment strategy is needed for effective infrastructure maintenance.