Transport Ministry considers extending Cartagena Feve railway to Mar Menor towns
The proposal will depend on the regional management and a feasibility study
The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has expressed its openness to extending the Feve railway line from Cartagena to more towns surrounding the Mar Menor. However, this project hinges on the Region of Murcia assuming management and ownership of the line. The Secretary of State for Transport, José Antonio Santano, has urged the regional government to draft a protocol analysing the project’s viability, timeline and budget.During discussions in Madrid with Cartagena’s mayor, Noelia Arroyo, and the regional Minister of Public Works, Jorge García Montoro, the Ministry outlined its conditions for support. The agreement would transfer management of the existing Cartagena-Los Nietos line to the Autonomous Community. From there, the feasibility and logistics of extending the railway to Cabo de Palos and San Pedro del Pinatar could be explored collaboratively.
Long-standing demand for improved mobility
The project has significant backing from residents, local politicians and business leaders, who see it as a way to improve mobility, boost tourism, and reduce road traffic in coastal areas. However, similar efforts in 2009, including plans for a tram line connecting Cartagena with the Mar Menor, failed to materialise.
Arroyo welcomed the Ministry’s willingness to explore the extension, but concerns linger about the pace of progress. “This could enhance connectivity and tourism, but clear commitments are needed,” she said.
Freight and high-speed rail developments
Tuesday’s meeting also touched on other regional transport priorities. Arroyo criticised delays in developing the freight line connecting Cartagena’s port with the logistics activities zone and the Mediterranean Corridor. She claimed that six years had been lost on a vital project.
Meanwhile, plans for high-speed rail (AVE) access to Cartagena are moving forward, with a €7 million preliminary project under development. Although Cartagena has been waiting for the AVE since 2006, officials hope recent agreements will speed up its arrival, including underground integration in the city.
Image: Ayuntamiento de Cartagena
Sign up for the Spanish News Today Editors Roundup Weekly Bulletin and get an email with all the week’s news straight to your inbox
Special offer: Subscribe now for 25% off (36.95 euros for 48 Bulletins)
OR
you can sign up to our FREE weekly roundup!
Read some of our recent bulletins:
25% Discount Special Offer subscription:
36.95€ for 48 Editor’s Weekly News Roundup bulletins!
Please CLICK THE BUTTON to subscribe.
(List price 3 months 12 Bulletins)
Read more stories from around Spain:
