Renfe and Adif Drive Summer Modernisation Push
More than twenty railway stations across Catalonia are undergoing construction work this summer, with Renfe and Adif leading separate but coordinated efforts to upgrade infrastructure. The projects include new station buildings, full renovations, and smaller improvements to lighting, flooring, and ceilings. Renfe is carrying out five major renovation projects, most notably at Molins de Rei, where the investment exceeds €9 million. This includes not only a new station building but also track reconfiguration. Other significant works are underway at Cornellà, home to Spain's oldest operational station building, dating from 1855, with a €1.7 million refurbishment planned, and at Santa Perpètua de Mogoda-La Florida, where a €2.2 million project focuses on accessibility.
Smaller Improvements Across the Network
In addition to large-scale works, Renfe has launched its 'A punt' programme, investing around €300,000 per site to upgrade lighting systems, floors, and false ceilings in station lobbies. Work began in July at Vilanova i la Geltrú and Sitges, followed by Sabadell Sud and Barcelona-Fabra i Puig in August. In September, similar upgrades will begin in Sant Celoni, with the schedule extending into January. Some of Renfe’s larger projects have been paused. The full renovation of Llinars del Vallès station is currently halted, with work expected to resume in September. Accessibility-focused reforms at El Papiol and Gelida are in the procurement phase.
Adif Focuses on New Builds and Major Expansions
Adif, the national rail infrastructure manager, is constructing six new stations and modernising four others. The largest ongoing investment is at Barcelona Sants, where €150 million is being spent to expand facilities on the Plaça Països Catalans side, including the restoration and reorganisation of the surrounding area. New stations under construction include those in Sant Feliu de Llobregat (€22.8 million) and Montcada i Reixac (€13.6 million), both part of broader undergrounding projects. Additional stations are being built in Reus Bellissens (€10 million), Parets del Vallès (€12.3 million), and two in Montcada (Montcada-Bifurcació, €7 million). Modernisation work is also ongoing at Castelldefels, Montcada-Ripollet, Camallera, and Bordils-Juià. Projects pending commencement include upgrades to Girona station (€2.9 million for public space improvements) and Viladecans (€5.4 million for lobby, underpass, elevators, and platforms), which is already tendered but not yet awarded.
Figueres Station Reform Plans in Development
Adif is currently drafting plans to reform or build new stations at several locations, including Figueres, where the project involves creating a railway variant and redesigning the station to eliminate two urban level crossings. Similar planning is under way for stations at Fabra i Puig and El Clot in Barcelona, Mollet-Santa Rosa, Montcada-Manresa, Tordera, and Sant Sadurní d’Anoia.
These stations are the gateway to the Rodalies system, so their comfort and access reflect the quality users will experience throughout.
Sílvia Paneque, Minister of Territory, highlighted the importance of station upgrades during a visit to the Molins de Rei site. She praised the creation of the joint venture Rodalies de Catalunya, which will gradually assume management of the commuter rail network, although ownership will remain with Renfe except for the R1 line. Paneque noted that the R1, R2, and R2 Sud lines contain 80% of all Rodalies passengers and are therefore priorities for transfer of operational control. While she expressed optimism about the process, she acknowledged that firm timelines for the R2 and R3 cannot yet be confirmed.
Reported by diaridegirona.cat, L'Empordà, Regió 7, Mònica Peinado, David Gallach | María Ríos | Climent Sabater, Diari de Girona.
