Costa del Sol train latest: 15 companies declare interest in building long-awaited project – CSN

Louise Brown February 14, 2025 Travel Leave a comment

The project for a train along the Costa del Sol coast has moved forward after 15 companies submitted bids.

The feasibility study bids will be opened on December 31, 2020 and close on February 10, 2025.

Both national and international companies specializing in railway infrastructure submitted proposals to the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility.

READ MORE A study found that trains between Estepona, Marbella, and Malaga are used daily 125,000 times.

Seven bids were submitted by temporary joint ventures with national companies in Malaga (Madrid), Valencia, Vizcaya, and Pontevedra.

Commissioned by the government, the feasibility study has a maximum budget of €1,200,000, and the selected company will have 18 months to complete it.

The study will focus on five key segments to assess the extension of the railway between Nerja, Spain and Algeciras.

Nerja-Malaga The 52 km route is expected to generate 26,763 trips per day, or 18% of travel demand in the zone.

Malaga-Fuengirola This stretch has the greatest potential. It is expected to generate over 70,000 trips per day, which is equivalent to 25,5 million annual trips. The figures for 2023 on the current Cercanias commuter route are also exceeded by more than 50%.

Fuengirola-Marbella You can also find out more about Marbella-Estepona (combined 51 km), this segment, with no existing rail infrastructure could serve 55 615 trips per day or 20.3 millions annually, representing 16% daily mobility of the area.

Estepona-Algeciras It is estimated that the 50 km section will attract 13,387 trips per day, which represents 12% of all local mobility.

A demand analysis will be included in the study, based upon a certain model. Financial and socio-economic profitability analyses will also be conducted to determine whether the project is viable.

The C1 commuter train line currently connects Malaga with Fuengirola. It serves key locations like the Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport and Torremolinos.

The need for an expansion is highlighted by the fact that it does not include high-demand locations like Marbella and Estepona.

This initiative is aligned with the Sustainable, Safe, and Connected Mobility Strategy 2030, whose goal is to reduce the reliance on personal vehicles, improve regional connections, and integrate city policies with more efficient transport solutions.