The Generalitat of Catalonia rejects the total shutdown of the high-speed Barcelona-Madrid line to carry out works on the line

The Catalan government opposes a complete shutdown of the high-speed Barcelona-Madrid line for renovations, advocating for minimal service disruption. President Salvador Illa emphasizes safety and continuity of service, countering Transport Minister Óscar Puente's proposal for total traffic interruption to expedite works. The planned renovations, initially set for 2027, could take 12 to 24 months if the line is closed. Illa argues that previous upgrades have been managed without full closures, while the College of Civil Engineers warns against completely blocking a corridor serving over 40,000 daily travelers. Business representatives also stress the need for careful planning and dialogue to maintain connectivity.