photo: Gacetín Madrid / Public domain/Spain’s first rail motorway in the port of Valencia
Spain is reshaping Europe’s rail freight landscape with groundbreaking initiatives. From rolling highways to high-speed rail, the country is paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future.
Spain is making big moves in rail infrastructure development, with its rolling highways and high-speed rail (HSR) networks setting a benchmark for other European nations. The country’s rolling highway system, which allows for seamless road freight transportation on specialized railcars, is rapidly expanding. According to RailFreight, after successfully launching the Madrid-Valencia rolling highway, Spain is planning to extend the service to Valladolid, Burgos, and Vitoria, set to be completed by 2026.
This expansion will offer industries such as automotive and agriculture a more efficient way to connect to maritime transport through the port of Valencia. Moving freight from roads to rail reduces traffic congestion, cuts emissions, and supports Spain’s commitment to sustainable logistics. According to Gacetín Madrid, this new service would save 200 kilometers in truck journeys and help businesses save EUR 7 million annually by cutting costs tied to accidents, pollution, and other external impacts.
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Spain's Role as a Model for European High-Speed Rail
As RAILTARGET previously reported, at the Czech Republic-Spain Railways Business Forum in Prague, Spanish Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility Óscar Puente shared Spain’s vision for rail freight’s role in the future of European logistics and pointed out the importance of building high-speed rail networks across Europe. "We are the country that has the highest percentage of the population connected by high-speed railways, which is 70%, the only country in the world and only behind China in kilometers of high-speed railways," said Puente.
Czech Republic’s Aspiring High-Speed Rail Network
Spain’s rail achievements serve as a model for the Czech Republic, pushing to expand its own high-speed rail network. The Czech government is currently working on plans for new HSR lines that will link major cities, and Spain’s experience in building the largest high-speed rail network in Europe is of particular interest. Minister Puente explained that having invested over EUR 45 billion in its high-speed network, which now stretches over 4,000 kilometers, Spain has connected 70% of its population to high-speed services, a level unmatched by any European country.
The Czech Republic is hoping to tap into Spanish expertise, as Spanish companies are eager to participate in the construction of HSR in the Czech Republic. As Puente pointed out, "We have the best companies and the most cost-effective solutions for high-speed rail construction in the world."
Opportunities for Collaboration in High-Speed Rail and Logistics
In addition to high-speed rail, Spain’s rolling highway projects have also captured the attention of the Czech government. The potential for multimodal transport solutions in the Czech Republic is growing, with Spain’s integration of rail and road transport offering a valuable lesson in efficiency and sustainability. The Madrid-Valencia rolling highway provides a compelling example of how rail freight can offer an alternative to road transport, benefiting both the economy and the environment.
The Czech Republic-Spain collaboration extends beyond rail projects to include logistics and supply chain solutions. As Minister Puente stated, "The future of European rail is about cooperation, not competition. By working together, we can create a more connected, sustainable, and efficient transport network across the continent."
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Source: RailFreight; RAILTARGET; Gacetín Madrid