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At the end of November 2024, the Catalan government approved two mobility projects allowing better rail accessibility for municipalities on the Costa Brava.
Two atypical lines are on track in Catalonia. The Catalan region actually wishes to “stimulate the development of two strategic infrastructures”. As a result, two major mobility projects have been validated by the government of the autonomous community with the aim of offering a solid alternative to the car. The two lines will serve the coastline of the Costa Brava, as well as the municipalities located in the Catalan hinterland.
Rails at the foot of volcanoes
Connecting Girona to the Olot volcanoes in one hour is one of Catalonia's ambitions. Parliament thus approved the Olot-Banyoles-Girona connection. The latter should replace the cart line between Olot and Girona which has been closed for 55 years, reports the Girona newspaper.
In detail, the future train will pass through several municipalities including Banyoles, and the medieval village of Besalú. The connection will extend over around fifty kilometers and will therefore end in the famous town of the Garrotxa region, Olot, which is surrounded by volcanoes. A fascinating topography which should encourage tourists to leave their cars aside in favor of this future railway line which could attract between three and six million users per year.
The beaches of the Costa Brava accessible by train
The second project aims to connect Palamós, Platja d'Aro and Sant Feliu de Guíxols to Girona. A very strategic axis as the Costa Brava attracts millions of tourists each year thanks to the beauty of its Mediterranean beaches. According to estimates reported by the Catalan media The Digital Managerthis infrastructure, extending over 97 km, could see nearly seven million passengers pass through each year.
The government is therefore ready to invest 500 million euros to relieve congestion on the road network in Catalonia. For now, this train crisscrossing the Catalan coast should enter service by 2030. Just a little more patience…
