The dream of a coastal train network is gaining momentum as authorities discuss connecting Manilva to Nerja by rail
Before envisioning a thriving Málaga along its entire Mediterranean coast, the focus must be on connecting the city through essential infrastructure. With a population of one and a half million, this metropolis requires a backbone structure, and the proposed solution is the “tren litoral” or coastal train.
Traffic Woes and Population Growth Traffic jams and congestion plague both the inadequate roads and the Cercanías train lines, especially during peak hours. The situation is expected to worsen with the projected population growth of two million inhabitants in less than 15 years. Addressing this, local leaders emphasize the urgent need for the coastal train as a solution.
Political Will and City Centre Perspectives In a political landscape increasingly aware of sustainable mobility, Malaga Hoy reaches out to coastal municipality mayors. They aim to revive a project that has been dormant for over two decades, emphasizing that it is a matter of political will and the city’s most urgent necessity.
Connectivity Plans for Málaga Capital Málaga capital, at the heart of the metropolitan network, is seen as the economic and cultural engine. Mayor Francisco de la Torre underscores the necessity of a high-performance train connecting Málaga to Marbella, extending to Estepona or Nerja. The proposal aims for a half-hour journey without stops, promoting sustainability and efficient use of trains.
Western Costa del Sol: Marbella’s Rail Connection Marbella, the largest Spanish city with over 100,000 inhabitants without a railway connection, is a crucial focus in the west. Mayor Ángeles Muñoz stresses the essential nature of the Costa del Sol train project, anticipating around five million annual passengers. Local leaders call for government commitment and stress the benefits for both tourism and residents.
Municipal Cooperation for Western Costa del Sol The president of the Mancomunidad of the Western Costa del Sol, Manuel Cardeña, advocates for a hybrid train-metro project. Emphasizing sustainability and private sector appeal, he suggests consensus among municipalities regarding the rail route, considering either the coastline or existing highways.
Local Leaders’ Perspectives on Rail Connectivity Mayors from Torremolinos, Benalmádena, and Fuengirola express the urgent need for the coastal train, advocating for alternatives to private vehicles, reducing traffic, and enhancing mobility.
Eastern Costa del Sol: Extending Rail Connectivity Leaders in Rincón de la Victoria, Vélez-Málaga, and Torrox highlight the necessity of extending rail connectivity to the eastern Costa del Sol. They emphasize the importance of regional communication and sustainability.
Regional Cooperation and the Role of Government Local leaders call for governmental support, expressing frustration over the exclusion of their municipalities from major railway projects. They stress the economic, touristic, and social impact of a sustainable coastal train linking the entire region.
In conclusion, the call for a comprehensive coastal train network in Málaga reflects the collective urgency among municipal leaders to address current transportation challenges and pave the way for sustainable, efficient, and regionally integrated mobility solutions.
