photo: transportes.gob.es/Óscar Puente
The big bet in the rail sector is everything that keeps the fleet moving. Spain has outlined a EUR 1 billion overhaul of Renfe’s maintenance system for 2025–2030, promising faster turnarounds and improved day-to-day performance.
According to transportes.gob.es (Spain’s Ministry of Transport), Minister Óscar Puente presented Renfe’s Comprehensive Workshops and Maintenance Plan 2025–2030, calling it "the largest investment in railway maintenance in its history". As reported by Trenvista, the programme spans more than 60 interventions nationwide. It introduces a new maintenance model built around real-time condition monitoring, fully digitised processes and automated inspections, all of which are the changes the ministry says will reduce workshop dwell time by 29%, unlocking more trains in service, better punctuality and higher efficiency.
What’s Being Built—and Where
During a visit to Madrid’s new high-speed depot Fuencarral II, the minister confirmed nearly EUR 100 million for a 18,900 m² facility due before year-end, which will double maintenance capacity for standard-gauge trains, according to transportes.gob.es. Beyond Madrid, the ministry listed new Cercanías Madrid depots at Aranjuez, Móstoles–El Soto and Fuencarral; Rodalies works at Ripoll, Manresa, Sant Andreu, and an expansion at Vilanova i la Geltrú; plus high-speed and freight projects in Murcia, Málaga, Santander, and Valencia, with new bases in Almería, Irún, and La Sagra. Trenvista adds three Logistics Centres for Spare Parts at La Sagra, Venta de Baños, and Villaverde, and the adaptation of El Berrón for metre-gauge components.
"A new maintenance model that optimises resources, shortens times, and improves the reliability of trains in service. Thanks to process reorganisation and digitalisation, workshop dwell time is reduced by 29%—meaning more available trains, more punctuality and a more efficient service," said Minister Óscar Puente.
Why It Matters for Operations
Renfe’s model shifts from reactive fixes to predictive, condition-based maintenance, supported by on-track automatic inspection, upgraded shop-floor tooling, and energy-efficient systems—an industrial policy the government frames as supporting sustainable mobility and domestic supply chains.
"Renfe advances with innovation and responsibility, looking to the future as a public company capable of leading rail transport in Europe," the minister added.