Project award and scope

The CAF-Magtel consortium has launched the first phase of the contract to modernise the safety systems on the Espeluy-Córdoba railway section. The project includes the design and implementation of renewed signalling and control installations along 130 km of the Line 400 corridor, enhancing the safety, reliability and availability of the infrastructure.

Following the contract signing on 4 May 2026 and the initial coordination meetings with ADIF, preliminary site surveys have already been carried out. The detailed design phase is currently underway and is expected to take seven months. Construction works are scheduled to begin in June 2027 and continue until January 2030.

Stations and safety systems

New interlockings will be installed at multiple stations along the route, including Rabanales University Campus, Alcolea de Córdoba, Villafranca de Córdoba, Montoro, Andújar, Espeluy and Jaén, among others. CAF and Magtel will also build technical buildings and equipment shelters to house the new signalling systems.

Signalling and train control

The project also includes the installation of key railway signalling and control systems, including Digital ASFA, LED signals, electromechanical point machines and new train detection technologies. Axle counters will be deployed at stations and on the Jaén-Espeluy section, while the remainder of the route will be equipped with audio-frequency track circuits.

Communications and fibre optics

Magtel will deliver the civil works, dismantling of existing infrastructure and deployment of the primary and secondary fibre-optic networks, including all splicing and connections required to integrate the new field equipment.

The company will also supply power systems, cabling, substations, backup solutions and operational telephony. Together with CAF, it will deploy train-to-ground communications, CCTV, access control systems and level crossing technologies, further strengthening the modernisation and safety of this strategic railway corridor.