ADIF has awarded a contract to a Thales-led consortium to upgrade signalling systems and rail traffic control for the Ronda-Gaucín stretch of the Bobadilla-Algeciras railway, which covers 50km in Eastern Spain.
Under the $25.66m (€19.7m) contract, Thales will replace the existing mechanical technology with the latest generation electronic interlocking signalling system in the seven stations between Ronda and Gaucín, for improved efficiency.
An automatic block system on a single track as well as a centralised traffic control centre located at Ronda station will be implemented, in addition to electronic axle counters at stations and on routes.
The project also includes adaptation of the existing 12 level crossings, corresponding works on electricity and communication systems, as well as the construction of new technical buildings to house the equipment.
The contract follows the successful upgrade of other high-speed rail lines in Spain by Thales, including Madrid-Seville, Madrid-Toledo, Córdoba-Málaga and Madrid-Valladolid.
ADIF is Spain’s national railway infrastructure company and manages almost the whole of the general interest railway network.
