Torrellano Railway Variant 2026: what the EIA means for companies and operators

Key data

The approval of the environmental impact declaration (EIA) of the Torrellano Variant, published on 18 June 2026 in the BOE, represents the key administrative step that enables the continuation of the railway network remodeling project in Alicante. Without this resolution, the works cannot proceed. The reference regulation is the Resolution of 29 May 2026 from the General Directorate of Quality and Environmental Assessment.

For logistics companies, railway operators and municipalities of Alicante and Elche, this resolution is not a bureaucratic formality: it is the signal that the infrastructure enters an executable phase and that business plans linked to the Mediterranean freight corridor must be updated.

What does this regulation establish?

The EIA formulates the environmental conditions under which the Supplementary Informative Study of the Railway Network Remodeling Project in Alicante — Torrellano Variant (Phase II) can be executed. In practice, it sets the legal framework that Adif and the Ministry of Transport must respect to continue with the project development.

The main technical characteristics of the evaluated infrastructure are as follows:

The processing was particularly demanding: 29 reports from administrations were received, public information was conducted and a correction requirement was issued that forced the expansion of studies on Natura 2000 and cultural heritage. This reflects the environmental and heritage complexity of the route.

Economic and operational impact

The approval of the EIA has direct consequences for several economic actors in the province of Alicante and the Mediterranean corridor:

• Railway freight operators: The two branches towards La Encina and El Reguerón expand connection capacity with the inland freight network. This can translate into lower logistics costs and greater competitiveness against road transport.
• Alicante-Elche Airport: The variant improves railway connectivity with the airport, opening the door to new high-value passenger and freight transport services.
• Industrial and logistics companies in Elche and Alicante: The infrastructure in standard gauge and with ERTMS Level 2 is compatible with European standards, facilitating integration into cross-border supply chains.
• Developers and contractors: The approved EIA is a necessary condition for the tender of works. Companies in the construction and civil engineering sector must monitor Adif's tender timelines.
• Municipalities of Alicante and Elche: The works will generate impact on urban and peri-urban land, with possible effects on economic activities in the vicinity of the route.

Who does it affect?

• Adif — infrastructure promoter, obliged to comply with the environmental conditions of the EIA.
• Ministry of Transport — responsible for project planning and financing.
• Railway operators — companies that operate or plan to operate freight and passenger services in the Mediterranean corridor.
• Logistics companies based in Alicante and Elche — especially those linked to industrial parks near the route.
• Alicante-Elche Airport — due to improved railway connectivity.
• City councils of Alicante and Elche — due to urban planning and heritage effects of the route.
• Construction and civil engineering companies — interested in future Adif tenders.
• Entities with assets in the Natura 2000 area or with cultural heritage assets in the project's area of influence.

Practical example

A freight transport company based in the Elche industrial park that currently uses the road to connect with the railway network towards Madrid or Valencia can benefit directly from the two new freight branches planned in the project: the branch towards La Encina (connection with the Madrid-Alicante line) and the branch towards El Reguerón (connection with the northern Mediterranean corridor).

With a double electrified track in standard gauge and ERTMS Level 2 system, this company could operate freight trains compatible with European standards, reducing transit times and transshipment costs at the border. The design speed of 160 km/h and 2x25 kV electrification also guarantee interoperability with the rest of the European Mediterranean corridor.

To take advantage of this opportunity, the company must closely monitor Adif's tender timelines and assess whether its logistics facilities are well positioned with respect to the new route.

What should companies do now?

1. Review the EIA published in the BOE to identify the specific environmental conditions that affect the route near your facilities or activities.
2. Assess proximity to Natura 2000 and cultural heritage areas if you have assets or projects in the area of influence of the route between Alicante and Elche.
3. Monitor Adif tender announcements if you are a construction company, civil engineering firm or railway infrastructure supplier.
4. Update logistics plans if you operate freight transport in the Mediterranean corridor: the branches towards La Encina and El Reguerón may change optimal routes.
5. Contact the city councils of Alicante and Elche if you have land or activities in the vicinity of the route to learn about possible urban planning effects resulting from the works.
6. Consult with a specialist advisor in infrastructure and environment if your company may be affected by the conditions imposed in the EIA on Natura 2000 or cultural heritage.

Official source

View complete regulation in official source

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-13275