The Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente, confirmed in a press conference after the DANA monitoring committee that one or two carriages of the Renfe high-speed trains between Madrid and Valencia will be occupied with humanitarian material following an agreement between the ministry and the Red Cross. They will transport health, hygiene and all types of necessary materials to the population most affected by DANA. The NGO will have the task of “channeling” this aid which will leave every day on the first morning trains from Madrid towards Valencia.
From Thursday, when the high-speed line will open two weeks after the catastrophe (improving the initial forecasts of the minister himself) in “total normality”, with 199 weekly circulations and 80 thousand weekly seats offered. Tickets went on sale this Monday afternoon and Renfe, Iryo and Ouigo trains will run between Madrid and Valencia starting on Thursday.
The Cercanías network, heavily affected by the flood, is used by 82,000 people every day and until now only 30% of the infrastructure was available. But from Wednesday the entire network will be covered between the trains already recovered and a free bus service with 56 thousand seats per day, the minister specified. Furthermore, it has been promised that C1 and C2, as well as a major part of C3, will be fully operational before Christmas.
At street level, more than 160 kilometers of roads in the Valencian Community were seriously affected by DANA, in particular the 9 km of the A-7 leaving the city with the ring road viaduct which “collapsed” due to the flood. “Now the situation is very different, with the A-3, V-30 and V-31 already operational”, said the minister, specifying that 139 km of highway are already “recovered”.
An important day for the city will be Thursday, when the A-7 diversion will be reopened so that more than 100 thousand vehicles can circulate every day as before the tragedy. In any case, Puente clarified that, although it could be reopened starting from Wednesday evening, the opening date will depend on the weather situation because new rains are expected which could compromise the works.
“We have already mobilized 30 million euros in emergency work, with a human team of over 500 people organized in triple shifts to advance even above our most optimistic forecasts,” the minister said.
For autonomously owned roads, Puente assured that he is waiting for the list from the Generalitat with the most damaged roads where state vehicles and personnel need to intervene. The Government has given general provisions to be able to intervene on these roads “with the necessary legal coverage”, explained the minister, who asked the local authorities to provide them with this documentation as soon as possible in order to begin the works that the municipal councils have difficulty getting others.
The first estimate of economic damage at an infrastructural level carried out by the Generalitat amounts to 2.6 billion euros. The minister did not want to “question” this figure, but specified that his cabinet is “focused on immediate recovery” and assured that “we will provide the necessary money for the reconstruction of the community”.
Interview: The Road to Recovery - An Insight into Transportation Post-DANA
Published by Time.news
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the pressing issues of our time. Today, we’re honored to have with us Dr. Maria Lopez, an expert in transportation logistics and disaster recovery. Dr. Lopez, thank you for joining us during this critical moment for the Valencian Community.
Dr. Lopez: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial we discuss these developments in the aftermath of DANA, especially considering the impact on the local population.
Editor: Indeed. Minister Óscar Puente announced that high-speed trains between Madrid and Valencia will now include carriages dedicated to transporting humanitarian aid, thanks to an agreement with the Red Cross. How significant is this move in terms of logistics and support?
Dr. Lopez: This collaboration is incredibly important. By incorporating humanitarian materials onto regular train services, it not only streamlines the process of getting aid to those in need but also demonstrates an efficient use of existing infrastructure during a crisis. Utilizing high-speed trains means aid can reach affected communities much faster.
Editor: With the high-speed line expected to resume operations on Thursday after the recent catastrophe, what can you tell us about the anticipated passenger demand and recovery measures?
Dr. Lopez: The demand is likely to be substantial, especially considering the easing of restrictions. With 199 weekly circulations and approximately 80,000 weekly seats available, Renfe, Iryo, and Ouigo will play a crucial role in reconnecting communities. It’s important to ensure that these services not only facilitate recovery but also support the day-to-day needs of the people.
Editor: Speaking of day-to-day needs, the Cercanías network has faced significant challenges, with only 30% of the infrastructure operational until recently. What is your perspective on the plans to restore it?
Dr. Lopez: The commitment to restore the Cercanías network with a combination of recovered train services and a free bus service is commendable. It’s vital for the 82,000 daily users to regain full access to public transport. The promise of having C1, C2, and a major part of C3 fully operational before Christmas sets a positive tone for recovery, helping not only with mobility but also restoring normalcy for the residents.
Editor: In addition to transportation, the impact on road infrastructure has been notable, with over 160 kilometers of roads affected. What are the implications for economic recovery in the region?
Dr. Lopez: Transportation is a lifeline for any economy. The collapse of vital roads like the A-7 can severely disrupt logistics, trade, and daily commuting. However, with the Minister’s update indicating that major highways like the A-3, V-30, and V-31 are back in operation, it provides a solid foundation for economic recovery. Quick restoration of roadways will facilitate the transport of goods and services, essential for rejuvenating the local economy.
Editor: As the affected communities begin to rebuild, what advice would you give to policymakers regarding future resilience?
Dr. Lopez: It’s crucial for policymakers to invest in infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events. This includes not just rebuilding but also enhancing the resilience of transport systems. Regular assessments, improved drainage, and sustainable urban planning must be part of future strategies to ensure that communities are better prepared for similar crises.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lopez, for sharing your insights. There’s much to be hopeful about in terms of recovery, but there are still lessons to be learned for the future.
Dr. Lopez: Absolutely. Let’s remain proactive in our approach to disaster management and infrastructure resilience. Thank you for having me.
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, and to our readers, stay tuned for more updates on this evolving situation.