Published on
November 22, 2025
Spain’s national high-speed rail infrastructure manager, Adif AV, has awarded contracts worth €157.5 million for the second section of the Madrid to Badajoz high-speed line. The contracts aim to advance the construction and installation of critical systems along the 70km section of the line stretching from Plasencia to Talayuela.
The consortium, composed of Hitachi Rail and Sistem, has secured two key contracts valued at €126.5 million to implement vital signalling, traffic management systems, and communication equipment on this section. This part of the high-speed rail line is a key segment of Spain’s ambitious expansion of its rail network, enhancing connectivity between Madrid and the Extremadura region.
Breakdown of the Awarded Contracts
The first of the two contracts is worth €118.3 million and focuses on the installation of interlockings, train protection systems, and the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) Level 2. This system will help ensure real-time, remote management of the rail network, enhancing safety and efficiency. A Centralised Traffic Control (CTC) system will also be implemented to allow for seamless oversight and management of operations.
The second contract, valued at €8.2 million, involves the installation of GSM-R, a mobile telecommunications system designed specifically for railway communication. This system will enhance communication between trains and control centres, supporting the smooth operation of the high-speed rail services.
Both contracts also include a two-year maintenance agreement to ensure that the installed equipment remains operational and efficient throughout its initial years of service.
Track Assembly Base Construction Contract Awarded
In addition to the signalling and telecommunications contracts, Adif AV has awarded a separate €31 million contract for the construction of a track assembly base at Navalmoral de la Mata. This facility, which will cover 140,000 square meters, will play a crucial role in assembling the tracks for the high-speed rail line, supporting the timely completion of the project.
The contract forms part of Spain’s broader strategy to modernise and expand its rail network, aiming to improve travel times and accessibility for passengers along the Madrid-Badajoz route.
Progress on the Madrid-Extremadura High-Speed Line
The first section of the Madrid to Extremadura high-speed line, which spans 150km between Plasencia, Cáceres, and Badajoz, was completed in 2022, with electrification work finished the following year. The section is currently undergoing testing of the ERTMS Level 2 system, which will enable more advanced control of rail traffic.
This line, designed with a 1668mm gauge, features special sleepers that will allow for future conversion to standard gauge. Additionally, the sections extending east from Plasencia towards Madrid will be constructed with the 1435mm gauge, allowing for better integration with the broader European rail network.
Future Developments for the Extremadura Rail Network
Adif AV is actively working on the third section of the line, which will connect Oropesa to Madrid. The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility is currently in the process of defining the exact route for this crucial stretch of the rail network, which will further enhance travel options and speed for passengers in Spain.
In parallel with the high-speed rail developments, there are also significant improvements underway for Extremadura’s conventional rail lines. The renovation of the Mérida to Puertollano and Mérida to Zafra to Los Rosales lines is ongoing, with further plans for the electrification of the Madrid to Valencia de Alcántara line to follow.
Conclusion
The contracts awarded by Adif AV are an important step in the expansion of Spain’s high-speed rail network, with significant progress being made on the Madrid-Badajoz line. As the project advances, the modernisation of Spain’s transport infrastructure will continue to provide faster, more efficient travel options for passengers, driving regional connectivity and economic growth.
