Spanish rail operator Renfe will receive a total of 500 million EUR in financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to modernize and expand the fleet of trains used on the Rodalies de Catalunya network (the suburban train network in Catalonia).
Renfe and the EIB have already signed the first tranche of the loan, worth EUR 250 million, to finance the purchase of 101 new trains, which will replace rolling stock in service since 1990 that has reached the end of its life.
New trains for suburban and regional services
The 101 trains will include both high-capacity units for suburban services in the Barcelona metropolitan area and trains for regional and medium-distance services. The new multiple units will increase transport capacity and improve the reliability of the Rodalies fleet.
The trains will also be more accessible for people with reduced mobility and will be equipped with ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System), the European standard rail traffic management system, which ensures interoperability, increases operational efficiency, and improves traffic safety.
Support for sustainable mobility and climate goals
The project is considered a key element in the development of sustainable public transport in Catalonia, contributing to a reduction in private car use and lower CO₂ emissions in large urban agglomerations and peri-urban areas.
The financing is in line with the EIB’s strategic priorities in the field of climate action, as set out in the Strategic Roadmap 2024-2027 and the Climate Bank 2026-2030. The project is also supported by InvestEU, the European Union program that aims to mobilize total investments of over EUR372 billion by 2027.
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