The contract, which was awarded to Inse Rail in a joint venture with two other companies, covers a stretch of 94 kilometers that falls entirely within the provinces of Ciudad Real and Jaén. It is part of Line 400 (Alcázar de San Juan – Cádiz) of the General Interest Railway Network (RFIG). This section includes several stations and stops that handle medium and long distance trains of Renfe Operadora, as well as freight traffic.
Over the next few years, a variety of actions that are currently in the project or planning phase will be carried out, including the extension of sidings with to 750 meters at different points. Much of the route will be also be integrated into the future Algeciras-Zaragoza rolling highway, which increase traffic significantly and will require infrastructure with greater capacity and improved reliability.
The section currently has 36 interlockings that use various technologies. Many of these – especially those with free cabling and geographical groups – use obsolete technology that is incompatible with future track modifications that will be required for the planned expansion projects.
The renovation includes the installation of new state-of-the-art signaling equipment, along with the implementation of centralized control and command systems. All of the field equipment will be replaced, incorporating signals with LED lights, axle counters in stations, audio-frequency track circuits on the routes and an ASFA Digital protection system. All the existing switches in the stations will be replaced with electromechanical drives, including the turnouts that give access to the main tracks that are currently non-motorized.
The cab equipment will also be updated with the installation of state-of-the-art electronic interlocks (ENCE) in all stations. These systems will be located in new technical buildings, designed to house the signaling and communications rooms, which will allow a safer, more efficient operation prepared for the future growth of rail traffic.
Source: Inse Rail
