Costa del Sol train line named top priority as Spain seeks to invest in its infrastructure

A new train line running from Malaga airport to Marbella and Estepona is expected to be launched within a 10 year period, as Spain’s economy continues to grow and more capital is being freed up to invest in its infrastructure.

According to recent discussions between Madrid and the Andalucian government, the highly anticipated Costa del Sol Malaga to Estepona railway line has been named one of the highest priorities.

With an estimated cost of 5 billion euros, plans for the train line have been stalled since the early 1990’s due to a lack of funding, and investment in public facilities have been reduced by 58% since 2009. Now, Spain’s economy is one of the fastest growing in the Eurozone, and economic activity has increased dramatically over the past three years, with more people getting mortgages and a surge in construction in prime regions across the country.

Julián Núñez, president of SEOPAN – the Association of Construction Companies and Concessionaires of Infrastructure – says the government will most likely prioritise health and education over the next two years. But added: "The consolidated GDP growth and the progressive scale back of the deficit have created some space to increase public investment in infrastructure."

With record-breaking tourist figures, a surge in demand for new off-plan properties and a forecasted continued growth for Spanish property sales transactions in 2018, the train line will be a welcome addition to the regions continuously improving infrastructure for locals and tourists alike.