Pro Vegueria Penedès has called on the Generalitat, Catalonia's regional government, to give priority to the Eix Transversal Ferroviari (ETF), a proposed cross-country railway whose first planned section would link Lleida, Igualada and Martorell.

The association says the route is needed to carry freight towards Madrid and Europe. It argues that residents and rail users in the Penedès region could otherwise face further pressure on railway infrastructure already used by passenger and freight services.

At a press conference at the Can Feixas winery in Cabrera d'Anoia, the group's president, Jordi Cuyàs, said the Lleida–Martorell section remains at the study stage.

Opposition to a proposed Baix Penedès freight terminal

Pro Vegueria Penedès said its position followed a Generalitat proposal for four major freight terminals around Barcelona, including one in Baix Penedès. The association is opposed to the proposed Baix Penedès terminal and has asked councils across the Penedès Vegueria, the regional administrative area, to oppose it.

“This proposal is a patch that does not fit the reality of the territory. It would only further saturate mobility in the Penedès region, especially the railway lines, and delay the ETF.”Jordi Cuyàs, president of Pro Vegueria Penedès

The group compared its stance with opposition to the proposed Logis Penedès logistics terminal in l'Arboç, which it said was ultimately not built.

Call to speed up Penedès territorial plan

The association also called for faster initial approval of the Pla Territorial Parcial del Penedès, a regional planning framework intended to guide land use and infrastructure decisions.

  • The ETF's first proposed section would run from Lleida to Martorell via Igualada.
  • Pro Vegueria Penedès says the route should provide a structural freight alternative to existing lines.
  • The organisation plans activities in Barcelona next February to mark 10 years since the Parliament of Catalonia approved the Penedès Vegueria.

Residents seeking information on local council positions on the proposed Baix Penedès terminal can check their relevant Ajuntament, or town hall, for council agendas and planning notices.

Reported by La Veu de l'Anoia.