ADIF SUBURBAN RAILWAY FRAMEWORK LOAN

The project consists of several railway infrastructure renewal and upgrading schemes in five metropolitan areas in Spain (Asturias, Barcelona, Madrid, Santander and Valencia). The schemes comprise the renewal and modernisation of civil works, tracks, electrification and signalling, improvements of safety (e.g. removal of level crossings) and accessibility of stations.

The project has the objective of improving suburban rail services in these metropolitan areas.

The project is a multi-scheme framework, therefore the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), in accordance with Directive 2011/92/EU (as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU), may vary depending on the characteristics of each scheme and will be analysed on a case-by-case basis. Any potential significant impacts on protected areas and the need of an appropriate assessment in accordance with the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC will also be analysed on a case-by-case basis. Nevertheless, based on the nature of works included in the project, which will be mainly undertaken on existing infrastructure, most schemes are not expected to be subject to EIA. The project is expected to improve the attractiveness of the suburban rail services and contribute to a modal shift from road to rail with the corresponding environmental benefits in terms of reduction of noise, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and pollution.

The Bank will require the promoter to ensure that contracts for the implementation of the project have been/will be tendered in accordance with the relevant applicable EU procurement legislation, 2014/25/EU or 2004/17/EC, where applicable, as well as Directive 92/13/EEC as interpreted by the Court of Justice of the EU, with the publication of tender notices in the Official Journal of the EU, as and where required.