The long-awaited high-speed rail (AVE) link to Almería has been postponed until after 2026 due to delays in completing critical infrastructure work and the official opening date not yet confirmed. The delay is disappointing for residents and businesses, while also increasing uncertainty about the future of the project.
Infrastructure Challenges Slow Progress
Gathering at an important conference held at the Almería Science and Technology Park (PITA), experts from the Objetivo Almería AVE-Corredor Mediterráneo group highlighted serious engineering problems in the project. While large-scale infrastructure changes are ongoing in Almería, such as the demolition of major bridges to move the railways underground, experts stressed that due to these difficulties, it is not possible for the AVE line to meet the original schedule.
Similar underground works are also causing additional delays in Lorca, a critical point in the project. The speed at which the underground section in Lorca is completed is likely to be a determining factor in when the AVE line can serve Almería. While construction between Murcia and Lorca is making promising progress, and Murcia’s renovated Carmen station is scheduled to reopen this summer, the status of Almería’s completion remains uncertain.
Although authorities say there is “intense activity” along the corridor and that specialized teams are working along the entire Murcia-Almería route, experts say there is still a lot of work to be done. So even if work continues, the project’s completion date still seems distant.
Logistics Centers Look Promising
Despite delays in the main high-speed rail project, attention has turned to the development of dry ports in Níjar and Pulpí. These logistics centres are expected to become operational in December 2027 and May 2028 respectively and will contribute significantly to the regional economy. These dry ports are seen as important investments that will support economic development by increasing the logistics capacity of the region.
Speed Concerns on Granada Route
Meanwhile, concerns are also growing over the AVE route between Almería and Granada. Experts say the steep slopes between Gérgal and Santa Fe could reduce train speeds to less than 100 kilometers per hour, undermining the project’s “high-speed” promise. This raises questions about the expected speeds and travel times for passengers travelling from Almería to Granada.
As a result, Almería’s full integration into Spain’s high-speed rail network now looks unlikely before the end of the decade. While business leaders and residents in the region continue to hold out hope, the lack of official guarantees means uncertainty remains. As infrastructure challenges are overcome and an official opening date is confirmed, Almería’s high-speed rail dream will be one step closer to reality.
