Adif has launched the next phase in the development of the Castejón–Pamplona high-speed rail line by initiating the drafting of electrification and track installation projects for the 60-kilometre section between Castejón and Campanas (Pamplona). These efforts mark a key step in bringing high-speed rail to Navarre and enhancing the Atlantic Corridor.
The infrastructure manager has awarded a EUR 329,000 contract for drafting the project to install the overhead contact line, or catenary – a high-voltage cable suspended above the track that delivers electricity to trains. In addition, a tender has been issued for a EUR 915,000 contract to design the electrical substation in Tafalla, which will supply power to the new high-speed line. This substation will also support elements such as autotransformer stations and a remote control system for real-time management of electrification.
Alongside these efforts, Adif has put out to tender a EUR 528,750 contract for the track installation project, further advancing work on this critical section while platform construction continues.
Castejón–Pamplona: Strengthening strategic corridors
The high-speed rail project in Navarre is part of the strategic Atlantic Corridor and will provide future connections to the Mediterranean Corridor. Of the four sub-sections between Castejón and Campanas, two – Castejón–Villafranca and Villafranca–Olite – have already been completed, with construction progressing on the remaining sections between Olite–Tafalla and Tafalla–Campanas.
In tandem, Spain’s Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility is undertaking an informative study of the Pamplona region’s rail network, which will support the drafting of the next stage from Campanas to Esquíroz.
Adif is also progressing with plans for a rail interchange near Castejón to connect the new high-speed line with the existing conventional network, aiming to accelerate partial service launch while work on the remaining sections continues.
Continued investment in the conventional network
Parallel to the Castejón–Pamplona high-speed rail developments, Adif is also upgrading the conventional railway network through Navarre to improve reliability and increase capacity for both passenger and freight services.
Recent contracts include the installation of new sleepers and rails between Cortes de Navarra and Castejón de Ebro (39.6 km), and similar work between Castejón and Tafalla (34.9 km). The Castejón–Fuenmayor line (80.3 km) is also currently out for tender. Additionally, Adif has awarded a contract to extend siding tracks to 750 metres at Caparroso, Carrascal, and Uharte-Arakil stations.
These developments align with several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure), SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), and SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities).
The project may also receive co-financing through the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).
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