THE government of the Balearic Islands has awarded a €3m contract for the detailed design and construction planning of the proposed Palma - Llucmajor line.

The board of directors of Majorca Railway Services (SFM) approved the award to Typsa on June 3. Following the signing of the contract, the contractor has 22 months to complete the work, subject to project approvals.

Construction on the 30km line, which will include almost 10km of tunnels, is scheduled to begin in 2028 with completion expected in 2032. The new line will connect Palma and Llucmajor in 30 minutes, as well as provide a 12-minute journey time to Palma Airport. Planned connections include links to the Son Llàtzer University Hospital, s'Arenal, and several industrial parks.

The route for the Palma - Llucmajor section has been finalised and the strategic environmental assessment has been completed. The project's total budget of €811m covers planning, construction, new EMUs, and a new maintenance centre. Demand is projected at 8.5 million passengers per year.

The award process for a second contract, for the overall coordination of the project contracts, with a base budget of €1.8m, is at an advanced stage.

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