The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has formally adopted the Phase IV Noise Action Plans (PAR) for the principal rail corridors, as published in the Official State Gazette. These plans build on the Strategic Noise Maps endorsed in January 2025 and serve as the core instrument for managing and mitigating rail-related noise pollution.
EU legislation mandates this staged planning framework, structured across four progressive phases. The latest update enables more granular identification of high-exposure areas through segment-level and territorial-unit analyses, allowing more targeted and context-sensitive interventions.
Key enhancements include implementing the CNOSSOS-EU common assessment methodology to ensure harmonised acoustic evaluation across the network, alongside new data management tools that strengthen transparency. The plans also incorporate multi-criteria analysis to prioritise measures and optimise public investment, supported by long-term programming to ensure continuity of improvements.
The overarching objective is to reduce exposure in residential and other sensitive receptors, delivering tangible public health and wellbeing benefits through lower noise levels. The approval process included public consultation and the assessment of stakeholder submissions.