Published on
August 23, 2025
In Spain, over 2,800 miles of railway tracks have been abandoned since the 1980s. These tracks were left unused for various reasons, including financial struggles or the necessity for costly infrastructure upgrades. While some of these disused lines have been converted into greenways, offering recreational spaces for cycling and hiking, other segments remain dormant. However, a couple of innovative projects are suggesting a new life for these abandoned railways. Their vision focuses on repurposing abandoned railway tracks for a new, sustainable form of transportation: autonomous electric mini-trains.
The Promise of Autonomous Electric Mini-Trains
In recent years, there has been increasing interest in developing autonomous trains to operate on these unused railway lines. These trains would be small, electric-powered vehicles capable of transporting passengers without the need for a driver. They would connect low-demand areas, where traditional train services are not economically viable, with affordable, on-demand transport options. These autonomous vehicles would be much smaller than traditional trains, with capacity for around 15 to 20 passengers, and would run on electricity, powered in part by solar energy.
One major benefit of these electric mini-trains is their potential to provide flexible, low-cost, and environmentally friendly transportation in areas that struggle with access to public transit. With minimal infrastructure costs and low operating expenses, this system could provide a much-needed solution for rural regions that often face challenges with transportation and connectivity.
A Collaboration Between Spain and Germany
Inspired by similar projects in other European countries, Spain is exploring the possibility of implementing these autonomous trains on its abandoned railways. One noteworthy project in Germany, known as REAKT, is a joint effort led by Kiel University of Applied Sciences. This initiative is testing autonomous mini-trains on a 10.5-mile stretch of disused railway between the towns of Malente and Lütjenburg, in northern Germany. The trains are being designed to use data-driven artificial intelligence for operations, with the goal of offering on-demand, autonomous transport services.
Rainer Uphoff, a key figure behind Spain’s RuRail project, has drawn inspiration from REAKT and is working to adapt this model to Spanish railways. The goal is to establish a similar system for connecting rural areas of Spain using autonomous trains on lines that are currently unused or underutilized. Uphoff believes that autonomous rail services could be simpler to implement than self-driving cars. This is because the trains would operate on closed tracks, which are not exposed to the same safety risks as public roads.
Sustainable Mobility and Reduced Environmental Impact
The adoption of electric mini-trains presents a promising opportunity for sustainable mobility in rural areas. Traditional trains are known to be far more energy-efficient than other modes of transport, such as buses or cars. Rail transport can be up to 10 times more efficient than road vehicles, and by using electric batteries and solar panels, these mini-trains would operate with minimal environmental impact.
There is also the potential for these vehicles to transport light goods in addition to passengers, further improving their cost-effectiveness. The idea is to create a flexible system that can adapt to different levels of demand by coupling or separating the mini-trains as needed. During peak travel times, several trains could be connected to form a larger unit, while in quieter periods, they could operate independently. This adaptability would make the system both efficient and cost-effective for operators.
The Technological and Research Efforts
In Spain, the University of Granada is conducting research to explore the viability of autonomous trains on disused railways. The university is working closely with experts from Kiel University in Germany, who are helping to shape the research and development of autonomous rail services in Spain. One of the key areas of focus is the use of railway infrastructure that has already been built, but is currently lying idle. Repurposing these tracks would allow Spain to make better use of its existing rail network without the need for costly new investments in infrastructure.
The research efforts are focused on several critical areas, including territorial rebalancing and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that can optimize the movement of the trains. AI would be used to ensure that the trains can make automatic decisions in real-time, such as adjusting schedules or stopping at obstacles. The research team is also looking into the application of distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) technology to help monitor the health of the tracks and ensure that any issues, such as landslides or track failures, are detected before they cause disruptions.
Addressing Legal and Regulatory Challenges
Despite the clear advantages of repurposing abandoned railway tracks for autonomous mini-trains, significant legal and regulatory hurdles remain. Current Spanish railway regulations require that at least one driver be present on a train before it can operate. Since these mini-trains are designed to be autonomous, this poses a major challenge for their implementation. Moreover, the European Union has yet to introduce a regulatory framework that would allow for the commercial operation of autonomous trains.
To overcome these obstacles, the researchers involved in the RuRail project are pushing for changes in Spanish legislation. They are advocating for the future Sustainable Mobility Law to include provisions for autonomous rail systems, which would help bring these innovations to life. ADIF, the state-owned railway company, is in talks with the University of Granada to explore ways to test these autonomous trains on a disused section of the Granada-Antequera network in Andalusia.
The Future of Autonomous Rail Systems
While it may take time for the legal and regulatory landscape to catch up with technological advancements, the potential of repurposing abandoned railway tracks for autonomous electric mini-trains is undeniable. By bringing these projects to life, Spain could create a more sustainable and efficient public transport system in rural areas, reduce the environmental impact of transport, and provide much-needed mobility options for communities that are often left behind by traditional transportation networks.
These mini-trains could pave the way for a new era of public transportation, one that is more flexible, sustainable, and tailored to the specific needs of rural communities. With the right technological advancements and regulatory support, repurposing abandoned railway tracks could become a reality that not only addresses rural transport poverty but also contributes to a greener and more connected future for Spain and beyond.
Key Points to Remember:Repurposing abandoned railway tracks could provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution for rural transport in Spain and Europe.Autonomous trains would be small, electric-powered vehicles designed to operate on disused railways, offering on-demand services.Electric mini-trains would be eco-friendly, using solar panels and batteries to minimize environmental impact.Legal and regulatory changes are needed to enable the operation of these vehicles, as current regulations require human drivers.The University of Granada and other experts are researching the feasibility of autonomous trains on Spain’s abandoned railways.
[Image Source: Railway Supply]
