The Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Óscar Puente, has unveiled one of the main demands of the pact between Jaén Merece Más and PSOE to obtain the mayoralty of Jaén: 400 million euros for the city's connection to the high-speed network through Montoro and 45 million euros for the intermodal station. Puente highlighted the importance of consensus among the parties and joint work with the City Council led by Julio Millán.
In response, councilor Rocío Díaz criticized the lack of specificity in the proposals presented by Puente and reminded that the connection to high speed and other improvements are long-term projects. For their part, Jaén Merece Más expressed satisfaction with the announcements, although they highlighted that many initiatives are still in the study phase and could take years to materialize.
The minister pointed out that the feasibility study for the connection with Montoro has already been approved and that in the coming months the informative study will be tendered. Regarding the intermodal station, Puente mentioned that its tender could take place by the end of the year. These works would significantly reduce travel times between Jaén and Madrid, a historic demand in the region.
It is expected that improvements in the railway infrastructure in Jaén will mark a turning point in the city's connectivity history. Despite the announced million-euro investment, some sectors believe that the proposals are still in an initial phase and their execution will take time. The Junta de Andalucía expressed its dissatisfaction by considering the measures presented by the minister insufficient.
Regarding the intermodal station, its location is proposed at the current Renfe station, renouncing the burial of the train tracks. This has generated criticism due to the urban impact it may have in an expanding area of the city. A technical table will be established to address the railway integration and discuss proposals for improvement.
In conclusion, the measures proposed by Minister Puente to improve the railway infrastructure in Jaén have generated mixed opinions. While some celebrate the advances, others believe that the announced million-euro investments will take time to materialize and that there are still aspects to define and negotiate.
