The Spanish Minister for Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Óscar Puente, has reiterated at the 3rd Vitoria-Gasteiz Capital Forum his firm commitment to completing the Basque “Y” — the high-speed line that will connect Vitoria-Gasteiz, Bilbao and Donostia/San Sebastián with the French border. The project is officially referred to as the New Rail Network of the Basque Country.
Puente stated that the infrastructure, described as “a driver of territorial cohesion,” is now “approaching the finish line,” and that the railway platform will be completed within a year. The projected entry into service is between three and four years from now, meaning it should be operational by 2030 or earlier.
The Transport Minister stressed that the scheme, with around 80% of its route running through tunnels or over viaducts, represents a major technical challenge. He also underlined that the connection with the national high-speed network will be strengthened by the Burgos–Vitoria line, with investment exceeding €3 billion.
Puente emphasised that completing the Basque “Y” will not only boost sustainable mobility, but also enhance freight transport through its integration into the Atlantic Corridor. He further announced extra investment in the Armiñón junction, the Júndiz logistics hub and Foronda Airport, to consolidate the Basque Country as a strategic transport and connectivity hub in northern Spain.