Adif and Adif Alta Velocidad have issued a proposed framework capacity offer for three new passenger corridors as part of the next phase of Spain’s rail liberalisation.
The proposal has been shared with operators ahead of its official inclusion in the 2026 Network Statements (Declaraciones sobre la Red) of Adif and Adif AV. The objective is to gather feedback before final approval and integration into the national rail framework. The Royal Decree that will accompany the Network Statement update is expected to formalise the schedule and conditions for access, including provisions for long-term framework agreements between infrastructure managers and operators.
The proposed daily path allocation includes:
· 32 train paths for the Madrid–Galicia corridor
· 24 for Madrid–Asturias/Cantabria
· 16 for Madrid–Cádiz/Huelva
The capacity is intended to be available for operation beginning in 2026, with the framework agreement process expected to conclude by the end of 2027. The Spanish competition regulator, CNMC, will oversee the process.
This second liberalisation phase builds on the initial market opening completed in 2020, which involved the high-speed corridors linking Madrid with Barcelona, the Valencian Community, Seville, and Málaga. That earlier process resulted in three framework agreements with operators currently in service.
Adif’s new offer is part of a broader effort to widen network usage and make rail a more viable option for intercity travel across more regions. The first phase covered 15 provinces, encompassing 54% of Spain’s population. The upcoming phase would extend the reach to 13 additional provinces, increasing coverage to nearly 70%.
Railway companies will have the opportunity to secure multi-year access rights, which are designed to support investment planning and timetable stability.
