Córdoba hosted the Ramal Central Forum, held at the Visitor Reception Centre (CRV) and organised by the Municipal Institute for Economic Development (Imdeec). The event brought together institutional, business, and logistics sector representatives to call for the acceleration of investment in the central rail corridor—an essential infrastructure linking Algeciras with Zaragoza and, from there, the rest of Europe.

Magtel’s commitment to sustainable logistics

In this context, Magtel reaffirmed its strategic role in the logistics development of Andalusia through Eco Raíl, a company in which it holds a stake and which forms part of Rail & Truck Strait Union, alongside Marcotran and CMA CGM. This alliance promotes the rail motorway—an infrastructure that will enable efficient freight transit between road and rail, advancing towards a more sustainable and competitive transport model.

During his address, Julio Gómez-Pomar, President of Eco Raíl, emphasised the importance of the central corridor as a backbone for freight transport in Spain, and highlighted the need to accelerate its development to enhance competitiveness.

Institutional opening

The day began with a formal welcome from the Mayor of Córdoba, José María Bellido Roche, who underscored the city’s role in the logistics transformation process. He was joined by Antonio Díaz, President of the Confederation of Entrepreneurs of Córdoba (CECO), who insisted that “trucks must travel on trains”, and José Carlos Gómez Villamandos, Regional Minister for University, Research and Innovation of the Government of Andalusia, who called on the central government for firm support for the central corridor.

Shared territorial strategies

The first roundtable, titled “Territorial Strategies for the Future of Logistics”, featured the mayors of three key cities in Andalusia’s transport network: José María Bellido Roche (Córdoba), José Ignacio Landaluce Calleja (Algeciras), and Manuel Jesús Barón (Antequera). All agreed on the logistics vocation of their territories and the need to integrate southern Europe through this infrastructure. Landaluce lamented that “Europe does not look to the south” and demanded that investment be accelerated “no matter what”, while Barón stressed that these three cities are “absolutely vital” for the future of transport in Andalusia.

The session was moderated by Almudena Semur Correa, Secretary General of the Association for Excellence in Public Services (AESP), member of the Editorial Board of El Economista, and contributor to Periódico de la Ingeniería.

Business and technical vision of the logistics sector

The second roundtable, “Present and Future of the Logistics Sector in Córdoba”, brought together prominent representatives from the business and technical spheres. Participants included Julio Gómez-Pomar, President of Eco Raíl; Miguel Ángel Tamarit Almagro, President of the Andalucía Logistics Cluster; Ramón González, Head of the Land Programme at Novaindef; Guillermo Fontanals, Director of Security Córdoba at EM&E; and José Mª García Utrera, Director of the Copper Business Unit at Cunext Copper. The session was moderated by Blanca Torrent Cruz, Deputy Mayor for Finance, Economy and Employment at Córdoba City Council, who highlighted the city’s potential as a national logistics hub.

The Logistics Base as a catalyst

Magtel’s presence at this forum reaffirms its role as a key player in driving sustainable logistics infrastructure, particularly in the context of the future Logistics Base of the Spanish Army in Córdoba, which is set to become a catalyst for economic and territorial development in Andalusia.