Tenerife expects the first section of its long-planned southern train project to be completed by 2031, marking a major step toward resolving the island’s ongoing mobility issues. The announcement was made by Rosa Dávila, president of the Cabildo de Tenerife, following the awarding of the contract for the second update of the environmental impact study. This study is critical for moving the project forward, allowing the necessary preparations to begin.
The Southern Train Project: A Response to Growing Mobility Concerns
The proposed train system is aimed at alleviating congestion on the TF-1 motorway, which sees over 125,000 vehicles daily. The island’s southern region, which includes key tourist and industrial hubs such as Costa Adeje and Granadilla, suffers from chronic traffic congestion. The new train system, once completed, is expected to cut up to 500,000 daily car journeys, reducing both traffic and CO2 emissions significantly.
The first segment of the train line will connect Costa Adeje with San Isidro, focusing on reducing pressure on one of the busiest parts of the island. Dávila explained that construction on this section could begin during the current political term and take approximately four years to complete.
Long-Term Vision and Phased Construction
With an estimated cost exceeding 800 million euros, the project is expected to take place in phases. According to projections, once operational, the train system could transport more than 20 million passengers annually, making it Spain’s second-busiest train network, after the Madrid suburban train system.
Key infrastructure points in the train’s path include the industrial area of Las Chafiras, Tenerife South Airport, the port of Los Cristianos, and the El Mojón Hospital. These areas are seen as critical to both the island’s economic development and easing mobility.
Environmental Impact Study: The Project’s Foundation
A key element in the train project’s progression is the environmental impact study, which had been delayed, contributing to the project’s initial stall. The Cabildo’s decision to update this study at a cost of 68,500 euros is viewed as a ‘point of no return,’ allowing the project to finally move forward after years of dormancy. The study will take approximately eight months to complete, after which construction can begin in earnest.
Skepticism from Local Leaders
While the announcement has been met with optimism by many, some local leaders remain cautious. The mayor of Adeje, José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga, expressed concern that the train alone may not be enough to resolve the region’s severe mobility problems, emphasizing the need for complementary projects such as the expansion of the TF-1 motorway, burying sections of the road, and completing the island’s ring road.
Similarly, the mayor of Granadilla de Abona, Jennifer Miranda, voiced frustration at the delays, pointing out that residents of the south continue to endure long traffic jams and insufficient public transportation. Miranda stressed the need for immediate, interim solutions to address these issues while the train project moves forward.
Regional and National Support
Despite these concerns, the train project has received strong backing from both the Canary Islands Government and the Spanish Government. There are ongoing discussions about including the project in Spain’s General Interest Railway Network, which would unlock significant funding opportunities from the European Union. This is seen as a key to financing the massive infrastructure project, ensuring its completion within the expected timeframe.
A Glimmer of Hope for Tenerife’s Mobility Issues
Although some skepticism remains, the completion of the first section by 2031 represents a significant milestone in Tenerife’s efforts to address its mobility crisis. The southern train, coupled with ongoing road infrastructure improvements, could finally provide the long-term solutions the island needs to keep pace with its growing population and booming tourism industry.
As the project progresses, the focus will remain on balancing economic growth with sustainable development, ensuring the island’s infrastructure can meet the demands of both locals and visitors alike.
