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Work is gathering pace on the long-awaited high-speed railway connection between Murcia and Almería, with the next stretch of the project officially under construction. This latest phase focuses on the track section between Lorca and Pulpí, a key link in the wider Mediterranean Corridor that will eventually connect the southeast of Spain to the rest of the AVE network and the European rail system.

 

According to the Ministry of Transport, the current phase involves extensive groundwork to prepare the terrain for the new track, with the Lorca section proving particularly complex and challenging.

 

Heavy machinery has already moved in to clear the route, install drainage systems and lay the base that will eventually support the rails. It’s a vital stage in a project that has been plagued in the past by delays, funding challenges and political disputes but which is now gathering visible momentum.

 

Nevertheless, the launch date of the Murcia- Almería line, already pushed back multiple times, has again been extended to 2027.

 

Once completed, the Lorca-Pulpí section will integrate seamlessly with other parts of the line currently under construction, creating a continuous high-speed link across the region. The upgraded route will not only cater to passengers but also improve freight capacity, offering businesses a faster and more reliable way to move goods along Spain’s eastern seaboard.

 

Local leaders have long argued that the Murcia-Almería connection is essential for boosting tourism and trade. At present, the journey between the two provinces can be slow and cumbersome, with travellers often relying on road transport.

 

The AVE link is expected to slash travel times dramatically, making day trips and weekend breaks far more appealing for both residents and visitors.

 

Beyond the track itself, the works will also bring a facelift to Lorca’s historic station, with modernised platforms, updated signalling and improved accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility.

 

While the Ministry has not confirmed a final completion date, officials insist that steady progress is being made and that each phase brings the project closer to reality. When the line is operational, Murcia and Almería will be connected in a fraction of the current travel time, linking Andalucía and the Region of Murcia more closely to the rest of Spain and, ultimately, the European high-speed rail network.

 

For residents who have been waiting years to see movement on the project, the sight of construction crews and machinery hard at work is a welcome sign of progress.

 

 

Image: Mitma