A new double-track section will allow for more train frequencies between Palma and Manacor
The new infrastructure, between Petra and Manacor, will mean that trains will not stop when they cross, even though the Government has not given a date for its commissioning
ManacorThe Governing Council has authorized Serveis Ferroviaris de Mallorca (SFM) a sum of 6,176,705.09 euros (VAT included) to build a new double-track section between Petra and Manacor, which will mean being able to increase frequencies between Manacor and Palma.
The works will consist of the construction of a new train advancement and parking point (PAET) of more than 3 km. It is a double-track section located between the junction station and Manacor, a route that is currently single-track and which, once the works are completed, will allow trains to cross.
This action will make it possible for two trains in opposite directions to coincide at this point on the line without having to stop, which will increase capacity and bring more flexibility to railway operations.
The new infrastructure will also contribute to improving the regularity and punctuality of the service, as it will facilitate the recovery of possible delays thanks to the incorporation of a new crossing point. Likewise, it will reinforce the reliability of railway operations in the face of incidents and facilitate maintenance tasks, as it will allow the parking of the machinery necessary to intervene on both the track and the catenary.
Modernization
The works will be put out to tender in two lots. The first will comprise civil works, track and overhead line, while the second will include signalling, safety and communications installations. The planned execution period will be eight months for the first lot and seven months for the second.
The project is part of the railway network modernisation strategy that the Government and SFM have been carrying out since the start of the legislature with the aim of continuing to improve the safety, reliability, capacity and quality of the service.
This is a global plan that combines actions on infrastructure, rolling stock and network expansion to respond to demand growth and prepare Mallorca's railway for the challenges of the coming years.
In terms of safety, the implementation of the European Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS) stands out, which will allow for increased levels of safety, reliability and capacity of the network. At the same time, maintenance contracts for the railway infrastructure and rolling stock have been strengthened to guarantee installations and trains in the best service conditions.
This strategy also includes the incorporation of new trains and trailer cars to increase transport capacity, as well as the construction of a new electrical substation at the Son Rutlan workshops, an action that will increase the available power at the Intermodal station and contribute to making future frequency increases possible.