Óscar Puente estimates the maintenance of the railway network at 1.8 billion annually, the "most urgent and pressing" problem of his ministry

The Spanish Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente, highlighted the urgent need for investment in railway infrastructure, estimating an annual requirement of 1.8 billion euros for maintenance. He acknowledged that the current state of the railway network has deteriorated due to issues with new rolling stock and emphasized the importance of balancing investments between high-speed and conventional networks. Puente also expressed concerns about the liberalization of high-speed rail, noting that while it has reduced ticket prices, it has led to financial losses for operators. He defended the government's response to recent incidents and clarified the ministry's limited role in accident investigations. Additionally, he pointed out the significant financial needs for road maintenance, estimating a similar annual requirement of 1.8 billion euros.