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The long-awaited refurbishment of the Cartagena and Murcia city train stations are both entering their final phases, in what is part of a general overhaul of regional facilities to modernise infrastructure.

 

In the case of Cartagena, the improvement work to the station is approaching its end almost four years after it first began. The Spanish Administrator of Railway Infrastructures (Adif) allocated a budget of €5.15 million for the project, but despite an initial construction period of 20 months, the work has stretched to about double that.

 

Although much of the renovation is complete, construction continues, with workers operating among passengers throughout the year.

 

The company responsible for the works, Geotecnia y Cimientos SA, is currently focused on modernising the stationְ’s vestibule. Key remaining tasks include finishing the toilets and other rooms, changing the exterior carpentry of doors and windows, and reinforcing the forging of the building’s structure.

 

This last aspect is one of the most complex phases of the project, as it involves strengthening the horizontal slabs of the main building to improve its load-bearing capacity and safety. A new concrete slab will be connected to the existing historical structure, a modification that required official approval from the General Directorate of Heritage of the Autonomous Community.

 

 

 

So far, the renovation has included significant structural improvements, such as the refurbishment of roofs and façades, as well as the creation of new rooms for ticket sales and car rentals.

 

Masonry work is currently concentrated in the lobby, where floors are being replaced, alongside upgrades to electrical, lighting and air conditioning systems.

 

A new express car park is planned for the station’s outer concourse, featuring designated spaces for people with reduced mobility and rental vehicles. Meanwhile, the existing underground car park beneath the station square will continue to operate as before.

 

One of the most innovative aspects of the renovation is the construction of a canopy on the platform at the head of the line. This will not only provide shelter but also generate energy for the station through photovoltaic panels installed on its roof. The surrounding area has already been reorganised to enhance pedestrian access and improve connections for taxis and buses.

 

The project has also prioritised the preservation of the station’s historic elements. Originally built in 1908 in a modernist style, the building will see its stained glass windows, tiles and original masonry repaired.

 

Additionally, all wooden carpentry is being replaced with new structures designed to resemble the originals, albeit with a different shade of brown.

 

Despite these developments, the full transformation of the Cartagena station is still at least a year away. In the meantime, passengers must navigate ongoing construction work, with some areas still covered by green protective cloths.

 

The side pavilions, which house facilities for station staff, have largely been renovated, incorporating new changing rooms, rest areas, security offices and storage spaces. Notably, the station has retained its wooden coffered ceilings and distinctive modernist lamps.

 

Looking to the future, Adif has assured that all current renovations align with future plans for the arrival of high-speed rail in Cartagena from Murcia and the rest of Spain. However, while discussions began 25 years ago, the project’s completion is not expected before 2030. Plans include constructing an additional building adjacent to the current station, which will house commercial spaces, ticketing services, customer service areas and other facilities.

 

 

 

Meanwhile, the new El Carmen train station in Murcia is also nearing completion. Spain’s Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Óscar Puente, recently announced that work is already 90% finished, with completion expected by the summer.

 

Final tasks include laying the last 1.5km of tracks around the station, completing the interior architecture and finishing the exterior urban development. El Carmen station is an integral part of the Mediterranean Corridor project and, once operational, will be compatible with other major railway initiatives.

 

The Ministry of Transport awarded the final phase of the works to a joint venture between Ferrovial and Acciona, with a budget of €16.4 million. These works cover various aspects, including fitting out the passenger building, upgrading platform equipment and installing non-railway infrastructure. Additionally, the surrounding area is undergoing temporary urban development while awaiting a finalised plan from the Sociedad Murcia Alta Velocidad.

 

 

In terms of design, platforms 2 and 3 will feature vitrified steel panel walls, new sanitary ventilation, safety and security installations, as well as emergency staircases. Platform 1 is also being adapted to improve connections with the passenger building. The surrounding area is being reorganised to improve access for both road and pedestrian traffic.

 

Since May last year, the station’s structure, floor slabs and exterior enclosure have been completed, along with the 400-metre-long lower platforms. Specialised machinery is currently working on track assembly, with a total of 13.4km of new track being laid. The station will feature eight tracks: five for standard gauge and three for mixed gauge, accommodating high-speed, suburban and regional trains.

 

As progress continues in both Murcia and Cartagena, these renovations mark significant steps towards improving railway infrastructure in the region, setting the stage for what it is hoped will be a more modern and efficient transport network in the years to come.

 

 

Image 1: J. Albaladejo / Ayuntamiento de Cartagena

Image 2: Adif

Images 3-5: Ministerio de Transporte y Movilidad Sostenible