The Minister of Public Works, José Luis Ábalos, has made a commemorative trip of the 50th anniversary of the direct rail connection between Spain and Europe with the "Catalan Talgo Barcelona-Geneva", the first that crossed the French border.
The minister has put it "as an example of the excellence of Spanish railway technology recognized throughout the world." As a sign of this recognition, it has highlighted the international value of both Renfe and Adif in the development of high-speed projects in countries on five continents.
In this regard, the minister stressed that "investing in mobility and transport infrastructure is the best way to ensure development in Catalonia and, in general, throughout Spain." He added "the Government's firm commitment for Catalonia to have adequate investment and financing", as reflected in the fact that it is the only region in Europe with its four provincial capitals linked to High Speed services and that public services of Rodalies, where Renfe is the operator, continues to grow until it reaches 125.3 million travelers as of 2018.
In addition, Ábalos wanted to remember another milestone in Spanish railway history, such as the start of the High Speed service, later this month, which will link Barcelona and Madrid with Granada.
Catalan Talgo Barcelona-Geneva
In his speech, Ábalos recalled that the "Catalan Talgo became by right a milestone in rail transport, as well as a symbol of modernity, comfort, speed and innovation".
The "Catalan Talgo" more than fulfilled its mission from 1969 until it was withdrawn from circulation in 2010. Before, between 1982 and 1994, it became Intercity and incorporated second-class carriages. And in 1994 his tour was limited to Montpellier, as the French network with multiple possibilities of liaison extended, until his last trip on December 7, 2010.