The strategy of the Spanish government in Catalan transport
Minister Óscar Puente has firmly defended the Spanish government’s investment in Catalonia’s railway system, rejecting any suggestion of abandonment. In a recent appearance before the Transportation Committee of Congress, Puente assured that the Ministry of Transportation is dedicated to addressing the needs of the region, despite the criticism received by the independence movement.
Criticism of the opposition: an unsustainable situation
During the session, Junts and ERC deputies expressed their frustration with the current situation of the railway service in Catalonia. Isidre Gavín regretted the normalization of the problems affecting the trains, stating that inefficiency has become a constant that affects the daily life of citizens. For her part, Inés Granollers pointed to centralism as the cause of the saturation of Madrid’s stations, claiming better planning and more equitable investments.
The challenges of security and management
In the context of concerns about railway safety, Puente questioned the responsibility of the Mossos d’Esquadra in incidents such as catenary thefts, stressing that the media alarm generated by events in Madrid does not correspond to Catalan reality. He insisted that, despite the difficulties, the Spanish government has not stopped working to solve the historical problems of the infrastructures.
The future of infrastructure in Catalonia
In addition, the minister made an optimistic statement about the Sagrera Station, with works approaching 72% completion. This new infrastructure is expected to lighten the load on Sants Station, thereby improving rail connectivity in the region and potentially increasing the efficiency of the system.
Final thoughts: a road full of obstacles
The debate on investments in Rodalies de Catalunya highlights the tensions between the Spanish government and Catalan political forces. While the government claims it is working to improve the situation, criticism of lack of investment and ineffective management persists. The current situation demands constructive dialogue and firm commitment from all parties involved to move towards a more efficient and equitable transport system.
