The comprehensive upgrade of Line 116 Cercedilla–Cotos (Madrid Cercanías C-9) is advancing at a steady pace, with installation of the new overhead contact line virtually complete along the entire route. Following formation works and with drainage nearing completion, more than 65% of tracklaying has been delivered, including rails, sleepers and ballast.
Adif sources have confirmed to Trenvista that completion of the works is scheduled for the final quarter of 2026. This will be followed by testing, final certification of the Class 402 units on the line, driver training and the granting of Authorisation for Entry into Service by the State Railway Safety Agency (AESF).
As a result, services on the Guadarrama Electric Railway may not resume until mid-way through the first half of 2027.
In parallel with track installation, platform renewals are under way at several stations. Notably, structural rehabilitation of the Navacerrada tunnel has been completed, with track installation still pending.
On signalling, the future operation under Automatic Block on Single Line (BLAU) is progressing, with civil works largely complete, equipment buildings installed, interlocking systems in place, and deployment of cabling and axle counters, according to Adif.
Works are delayed beyond the initial schedule
The project, awarded by Adif in November 2023, includes full renewal of infrastructure and superstructure, as well as station upgrades at Cercedilla, Navacerrada and Cotos to improve capacity and reliability.
Although the works were scheduled to last 12 months and the line closed on 5 May 2024, the programme has extended to 25 months. Harsher-than-expected winters, environmental restrictions due to the line’s location within a National Park, and other challenges have slowed progress.
Meanwhile, the new Class 402 trains remain at La Sagra depot pending transfer to Cercedilla. Although certification was completed in May, specific line testing is still required before passenger services can begin.